The State of Michigan is Ridicious/Snyder gives State of the State speech 1/16

[LovingA2andMI]

"Progress Michigan's editorial opinion article published on the Detroit News about Michigan's current economy before Governor Rick Snyder's 4th State of the State Speech, is right on point -- the State of Michigan is Poor. We would support the groups' statement by expressing, "The State of Michigan is Ridicious".

Michigan over the last three years plus of Governor Rick Snyder's tenure has been an economic test case of the HAVE'S and the HAVE'S NOT'S. The recent news of Michigan's economy having a $970 billion dollar surplus in the states financial coffers, resulted directly from cutting lifelines of upper mobility for middle and lower class residents.

These factors can change if the Candidate running against Governor Snyder, former Congressman Mark Schauer of Battle Creek, takes a populist stance on important issues impacting Michigan's ability to provide good paying job opportunities for its' citizenry, which has lead to an exodus of needed population and income from our state.

Read more: http://www.reachoutjobsearch.com/2014/01/fft-116-state-of-michigan-is-ridicious.html#ixzz2qbCWTxgF

[Demeter]

1. I am not impressed by Mark Schauer

got any other candidates?

[LovingA2andMI]

2. Oh, you have a FAIR POINT!

And it MANY aspects we agree. The problem is the MDP has placed a roadblock the size of the Mackinac Bridge to keep any other candidate running as a Democrat Governor's candidate.

If you missed this story out of MLive, it should tell anyone everything they need to know about unless Schauer gets on the ball SOON, this puppy or ship is going down in Michigan.

"United Auto Workers President Bob King said Wednesday that he expects the union to endorse Democratic candidate Mark Schauer for governor despite reports he recently attempted to recruit an alternative candidate.

"I think Mark will make a great governor," King told reporters at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit. "He's got really deep values. I think he demonstrated that time and time again in public office. That's where our focus is. That's who we're going to give our support to."

King declined to discuss reports that he personally asked Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) to reconsider a run for governor, saying only that the union typically endorses candidates later in the year.

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/01/uaw_official_praises_democrati.html#incart_river

Yikes!

So it appears you are not the only one feeling the same way....

[navarth]

3. I'd be interested in hearing why.

I think he's our best shot right now but I'm listening.

[knitter4democracy]

4. Mark is actually really good.

The reason why he wasn't as good a US rep was his staff. For running, he needs a top-notch staff, and frankly, a lot of that should come from the DNC at this point. They should recognize that MI is in real trouble for the Dems and then do something about it.

[Demeter]

5. Okay, I've thought about WHY I am not impressed with Mark Schauer

He has no public presence. The only time I ever hear of him is in Democratic Party fundraising emails.

I know my local excuse for a newspaper is run by Teahadists, but not even NPR has ever mentioned his name in my hearing. To the Michigan public, he might as well not exist.

Virg Bernero had a similar problem, but I did get to hear him on NPR at least, and I thought he was well-principled. But the Unions didn't call for him, or support him.

I guess the REAL problem is the Michigan Democratic Party.

[LovingA2andMI]

6. Another Fair Point.....

If Schauer had the wrong staff the first time, he better be darn well to find and place the TOP-NOTCH staff on his team this time around.

Schauer needs to CREATE PRESS, PERIOD!

During Snowtropolis, breaking out a snowblower, plowing a retiree driveway or three, taking pictures, send a Press Release with pictures and a story. This is how one creates press when the press will not at this point properly cover your campaign.

During the ice storm, team Schauer should have RENTED five generators from in or out of state and had Schauer HAND deliver in a "Team Schauer" themed truck the generators to five affected families homes. Take pictures, send out a press release.

During the unemployment crisis....Team Schauer should be at a UIA Problem Resolution office, listening to and shaking hands with Michigan's jobless workers. Again, take a picture or six, send out a press release.

The point of all of this is get EVERYONE, ANYWHERE ACROSS MICHIGAN to know Schauer's name plus connect his name to potential voters across the state. Unless Schauer runs the anti-Snyder populist campaign, it will be HARD not impossible, but HARD for him to win.

[Demeter]

7. You really ought to work his campaign

these are better ideas than anything done today....they are so old, they are fresh and exciting!

[LovingA2andMI]

8. Well, good old grassroots campaigning....

Worked to elect former Senator Scott Brown (R-Mass) before he was rightfully defeated by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass). The point is if you want to get attention and your campaign has little to none, the CANDIDATE has to make media attention happen.

As for working for the Schauer campaign, they have a P.R. team and to date, what we have seen is the result. It appears the P.R. Team prefers their current strategy -- which frankly is NOT working.

Oh well....

[navarth]

9. Well, I'm getting emails from them....

but that ain't gonna be enough. he's already got my vote. but NOBODY knows who he is. shit, they don't even know an election is coming.

[LovingA2andMI]

10. Another Fair Point.....

A unknown candidate + no inspiration for voters to visit polling locations. If Schauer IS (and that's in question at the moment) in it to win it, he better change this perception quickly.