Supporters of halted Snyder recall campaign turn attention to 'Occupy This Governor' initiative
Ann Arbor area supporters of the now-suspended campaign to recall Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder say they have no plans of going away quietly.
Jan BenDor, a Washtenaw County resident and one of the leaders of the Michigan Rising Super PAC, said the group's work will take on a new form now.
"I was part of the decision to suspend the signature drive, but we certainly are not suspending our effort to stop the corporate destruction of Michigan," BenDor told AnnArbor.com.
"We're just facing reality that the very difficult task of collecting 1 million signatures in 90 days was made even more difficult by a lot of factors, certainly what happened in Wisconsin."
Rick Snyder
Michigan Rising leaders plan to redefine their effort as "Occupy This Governor," with a focus on keeping Snyder busy defending his policies between now and the 2014 election. They plan to coordinate public protests and promote alternative policies.
"We're going to have to fight this in a lot of different ways," BenDor said. "We're regrouping. We're going to be holding a series of meetings. We have to do a lot of public education."
Michigan Rising ultimately hopes to develop a progressive think tank to rival conservative think tanks and develop progressive leaders and support progressive legislators.
Sara Wurfel, a spokeswoman for Snyder, said the governor has been focused, and will stay focused, on the hard work of turning Michigan and its economy around.
"So many positive signs are happening — more and better jobs, lowering unemployment rate, growing personal income. The list goes on," she said. "There's a growing recognition of that. The less divisive and more we can work together, the better off Michigan will be."
BenDor, who lives near Snyder in Superior Township, is listed as the record keeper in the Michigan Rising Super PAC's organization paperwork filed with the state.
The group filed campaign finance reports in April showing it had raised just over $42,000 and spent a little more than $27,000, with a balance of nearly $15,000.
The money was spent on the group's website, yard signs, T-shirts, office equipment, Facebook ads and other items like $2,000 for a Royal Oak company to live-stream a kickoff rally.
The PAC received more than $28,000 of its funding in the form of a direct contribution from Berkeley, Calif.-based Kos Media back in January.
No other donors rivaled that contribution, but 30 individuals in Washtenaw County collectively pitched in more than $1,300 to the PAC in recent months.
BenDor said Michigan Rising has built up a base of thousands of volunteers who remain committed to the goal of stopping the corporate takeover of Michigan.
Its leaders say corporate interests in Wisconsin proved again that a huge funding gap can influence the ballot box.
"I think the amount of money that was poured into Wisconsin should frighten every patriotic American," BenDor said. "There are a whole lot of negative things we're going to have to address about the honesty and fairness of our election system."
The Washtenaw County Election Commission voted 2-1 on April 9 to approve Michigan Rising's recall petition language, the second effort in as many years to recall Snyder.
But less than two months later, in the first 30 days of its petition drive, Michigan Rising reported having less than 2 percent of the 200,000 signatures it was hoping to have by June 1.
The group's leaders decided there was no realistic scenario that would allow it to hit its target of 1 million signatures in the next 55 days.
Brit Satchwell, president of the Ann Arbor Education Association and an early supporter of the Snyder recall efforts, said he was disappointed.
"I'm disappointed that Michigan couldn't mount a campaign that paralleled Wisconsin, even though Wisconsin failed," he said.
"I would have liked to have seen more overt collaboration between the unions and the Michigan Democratic Party and the Dems were practically AWOL on the whole thing," he said.
Satchwell commented on what happened in Wisconsin, saying Wisconsin now has the worst government money can buy.
"Now we see as plain as day what huge amounts of money from untraceable sources can do to pervert the Democratic process," he said.
Satchwell said his own efforts are now focused on the Protect Our Jobs campaign, a statewide effort to put a proposal on the November ballot that would enshrine in Michigan's Constitution the right of every worker to collectively bargain. More than 322,600 signatures are needed.
"We're going gangbusters," Satchwell said. "We're going to make our numbers and go beyond them. I have every confidence that it will be on the ballot in November and the job of the progressives and the unions will be to the educate the public and get out the vote."
Mackinac Center for Public Policy President Joseph Lehman on Thursday extended an open invitation to UAW President Bob King to publicly debate the Protect Our Jobs initiative.
"As we are both aware, the outcome of this proposal will have a major impact on state, local and school policies for decades to come," Lehman wrote to King.
Lehman added: "This radical constitutional amendment would benefit the 3 percent — the number of government union employees in Michigan — who want to shield themselves from the economic realities the 97 percent of us face."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Sue
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 5:24 p.m.
"Now we see as plain as day what huge amounts of money from untraceable sources can do to pervert the Democratic process," You're right, that's how Obama got to be president.
The Black Stallion3
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
He will not be President after the November elections !!!!
Martin Church
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
Instead of complaining about the Governor how about occupy the US Senate. In almost four years the Democratic Controlled Senate (for the first 2 years they had a super majority) can not pass a budget. the biggest problem during the former Governor's term was a Senate and house that could not get anything done till the very last minute. we now have a legislative branch (love them or hate them) that are actually working and producing something on time. Now is the time for the US Senate to get some work done or replace them.
Jack
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
This man, Gov. Snyder, was fairly elected by the people of the state of Michigan. He has done nothing illegal. Let him finish his term. While I generally vote Democratic, I think Gov. Snyder is at least doing something to get this state back in shape. That's more than happened under Gov. Granholm. I find the recall campaign annoying and unfair. Unfortunately, the Democrats are doing more to hurt their cause than help it in this case. Recalls should be reserved for major lapses in performance. That is not the case here.
Randolph
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
Well... Granholm had a stopper in the legislature so she never got to bring most of her programs to the fore. Snyder, on the other hand, has had pretty smooth sailing in that regard. Just because he has been able to "get things done" for his friends does not tell us how good that is for you and me. It does mean he has hurt a lot of middle class workers who have historically set labor standards for for everyone. When these people are all gone, who will be able to stand up to draconian corporate agendas? So yeah, they are making some "annoying noise" as they are being swept aside along with the rights of ALL workers. Our children will experience what it is like to live in a new "Gilded Age" where power never speaks truth and truth is not allowed to speak to power. If you will look a little deeper, you may concede that somebody has to at least speak up or at least slow things down a bit so that he public can become aware of what is happening. Stay vigilant.
Superior Twp voter
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
"The PAC received more than $28,000 of its funding in the form of a direct contribution from Berkeley, Calif.-based Kos Media back in January." Hey, anyone recall who departed Michigan (in shambles) and took up residence in Berkeley, CA? Probably just a coincidence, eh? "Satchwell commented on what happened in Wisconsin, saying Wisconsin now has the worst government money can buy. "Now we see as plain as day what huge amounts of money from untraceable sources can do to pervert the Democratic process," he said." Yea, Satchmo, the "worst government" the majority of citizens in Wisconsin VOTED FOR. And your complaint about "untraceable sources?" Laughable. The Dems OWN that description. And where were you complaining when the Union outsiders were pumping up Wisconsin's issues and occupying and sullying their statehouse? *crickets chirp*
Arborcomment
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
KOS media is a funding support arm of the Daily KOS, a very liberal web site/blogger. Soros money involved.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
This movement has failed in another maybe-not-so-important goal these days; it does not Occupy My Thoughts. I'd just ask that the 1% who still believes this is a good movement to kindly stop trying to impose its will on the rest of us through brute force. You know, land of the free and all that?
maallen
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
Wait, did I read that right? The recall Snyder campaign is complaining and fighting about "corporate takeover of Michigan" but yet they themselves accept a $28,000 donation from a corporation, Kos Media, based in California. That is classic! Mr. Satchwell is complaining about losing the recall vote in Wisconsin by saying Wisconsin "now has the worst government money can buy. But yet he ignores that in 2008 Obama raised and spent $750 million (the most a candidate has ever spent in an election campaign!) while McCain raised and spent $375 million. That is classic!
lumberg48108
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
well that did not take long now that the Snyder Recall Campaign has ended, annarbor.com has moved to support the next initiative by the group, 'Occupy This Governor.' We did not read any analysis of why the recall effort failed in Michigan on these pages (obviously) and rather than do any actual reporting or provide introspection to the failed effort, annarbor.com believes its simply easier to just go and support the next cause de jour While one could argue there is some news value in this announcement, the real test for annarbor.com is how it covers this "movement" over the next 6-12 months. The headline reads "Supporters of halted Snyder recall campaign turn attention to 'Occupy This Governor' initiative" but it might as well read: "Voters reject Recall Snyder campaign so the effort changes in an attempt to stay relevant" Please, annarbor.com, unless this "movement" actually accomplishes something do not continue to endorse its very existence with PR fluff pieces for them. Let them reach a goal on their own and then cover it as news - not before
Diagenes
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.
The teachers union should recall bad teachers instead of politicians who are elected by the majority of those who voted. Put your efforts to improving educational outcomes for students, instead of trying to recall duly elected office holders.
Gorc
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 12:30 p.m.
The "Occupy" people and supporters of recall initiatives are so ingrained in benefiting from others that they are completely blind to their greedy sense of entitlement.
Greg
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 11:25 a.m.
Seems the large ammounts of money spent by the unions in WI don't count, only them money spent by the opposition is to be counted. Bad money.... Unions came about because of excellent reasons. But when they expect only their members to be taken care of at the expense (state was broke!) of the public they are flat out of control. In bad times everyone needs to feel the pain, not just non union people.
dom
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 11:23 a.m.
martini man.... The nannified mentality of these people is wearing VERY thin amongst most honest hard working folks. Raising taxes, imposing new regulations,and increasing spending isn't flying anymore. I know this type of thinking isn't popular in Ann Arbor ..but guess what ??? ..Ann arbor isn't the center of the universe...the liberals/socilaists/progressives just THINK that it is. Well there boss... we do have the lowest unemployment in the state. so what do you think that?? Ann Arbor. The place to be.. in MI!
daytona084
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 4:52 a.m.
Is there any "news" here?
leaguebus
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 4:43 a.m.
Martini, You are right, raising taxes doesn't cut it anymore, why are my state taxes going up $1200 next year? As far as regulations go, Wall Street, with little or no regulations crashed the economy, Martini, you don't remember that? You also have a short memory on increasing deficits, it was none other than W who cut taxes and started two wars which put the lions share onto the deficit. Oh by the way the Conservative God Ronnie R also piled a bunch on the debt with all his tax cuts. That Liberal Bill Clinton actually raised taxes and nearly balanced the budget. By the way, the Paul Ryan budget, will add more on the national debt, kill Medicare, wreak Social Security, and as Europe has proved with its austerity, drive us back into the recession.
Arborcomment
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.
Where to start Sparty-League... Facts hurt when sharp and to the point. Bush started TWO wars? Funny, I don't seem to recall him flying any planes into buildings on 9/11. So, let's give you 50% on that one (and that percentage is debatable as well). Wall street and no regulations crashed the economy? You're half wrong there too, add the housing bubble and government involvement for the whole story. RR? I'd love to have the economy rebound like it did in 1983, certainly not seeing anything like it in 2012. Europe austerity killing the "recovery" and driving us back to recession? Nice DNC talking point/fantasy. You need an actual "recovery" first. Austerity in Europe has been going on for less time than the Obama/Krugman/Keyesian botched plan and it's going to take a while to get out of the hole they've dug for themselves with socialism. Ryan plan scary monster under the bed? At least it's a plan, unlike a Senate budget proposal (2000+ days MIA), an Obama budget (defeated 98-1 by his own party in the Senate), and Obama walking away from Bowles-Simpson.
Sparty
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 1:29 p.m.
Facts hurt, don't they? Some pretend the costs of two wars and the largest entitlement expansion in fifty years, Medicare Part D, in the Bush regime were free instead of just unfunded until they hit the books in Obamas Administration and he is suddenly accused of spending these trillions of dollars.
f4phantomII
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 11:59 a.m.
Did you learn economics from Paul Krugman?
The Black Stallion3
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 10:52 a.m.
You sound like a campaign add for the current czar
shepard145
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 3:50 a.m.
Oh Ryan, you mist be crushed! This is just another bunch of irrational occupier types who don't seem to understand the simplest economic concepts. These thugs are unconvinced that a growing, thriving, competently managed state is good news for EVERYONE. Corrupt back room union deals bought and paid for by electing democrats to office or NOTHING. They like the deal they had under 8 years of buffoon Granholm and want it now or else!! ....well sorry, the adults are back in charge. Well maybe it's time for you to look into another line of work.
Tom
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
I am not all-in for Snyder as there are things he did that I don't agree with. Let the guy have a term in office to see the net results. Recalls should be reserved for criminal acts. But this is of course Ann Arbor, 22 sq. miles surrounded by reality.
Basic Bob
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
"As of June 4 we have 2,079 signatures counted"
stihl1
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 1:24 a.m.
Lol.
martini man
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 1:07 a.m.
The people who work for a living, pay their taxes,and play by the rules,are getting pretty sick of these so called "Occupy Types" ..Blocking traffic, vandalizing property, flinging feces at police officers, isn't winning any converts to socialism. The nannified mentality of these people is wearing VERY thin amongst most honest hard working folks. Raising taxes, imposing new regulations,and increasing spending isn't flying anymore. I know this type of thinking isn't popular in Ann Arbor ..but guess what ??? ..Ann arbor isn't the center of the universe...the liberals/socilaists/progressives just THINK that it is. A rude awakening is coming soon.
Randolph
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
Wow, pretty amusing, huh? I see you sitting on the sidelines there complaining about a group of people who are actually speaking truth to power in a basically law abiding way ( of course there are always a few jerks or "plants" from the opposition grabbing attention - thanks for noticing) and exercising their rights while they still can. Perhaps when "they come for you" you may even wish to join these patriots. If you will look a little deeper, I know you will find these people to be for the most part honest and whose most profound wish is to continue to be hard working. They want the best for you and your (future?) children. I know this because I am a convert who used to write letters like yours.
Arborcomment
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
Satchwell: "now we can see plain as day, what huge amounts of money... can do to pervert the democratic process." Share a little daylight with us Brit, how much did unions shovel in? And provided how many boots on the ground? And you still lost in union rank-and-file households. But the Progressive Think Puddle will be entertaining.
The Black Stallion3
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.
If you people would put as much effort into rebuilding America as you do trying to destroy it we would "all" be better off.
Mike K
Thu, Jun 7, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
"We're going gangbusters," Satchwell said. "We're going to make our numbers and go beyond them. I have every confidence that it will be on the ballot in November and the job of the progressives and the unions will be to the educate the public and get out the vote." Educate the public? Really? All one need do is google "union thuggery" or "union excess" and one will get an entire semester of education. Unbelievable what some think. Liberalism - ideas so good they're mandated....
Diagenes
Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.
I love that slogan Liberalism-ideas so good they're mandated It's true. If liberal ideas were good they would be adopted voluntarily
Mike
Thu, Jun 7, 2012 : 11:35 p.m.
Lehman added: "This radical constitutional amendment would benefit the 3 percent — the number of government union employees in Michigan — who want to shield themselves from the economic realities the 97 percent of us face." That about sums it up.............
Randolph
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 1:11 a.m.
OK, so when this 3% is finally swept aside, and it comes to the point that you need to speak truth to power and not even the best attorney can help you, is that when you finally realize these people were working to keep hope alive for YOU? Be careful what you wish for.