STATEMANT OF PURPOSE

WELCOME - this site is dedicated to organizing the effort to TAKE MUSKEGON BACK in 2010.

To do that we have to start now. Here is my plan. Don't like it ? let's change it.
BUT LET'S GET TO IT.

Impossible??? Only if we don't try.

PRECINCT DELEGATES RULE

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Jack Hoogendyke is bringing his Center Right Meeting to Muskegon. The meeting schedule is below. Toast n Jam's. I've hoped for this kind of thing since the start up of our Carmen Group breakfasts a year and a half ago.

If "Right to Work" rings your bell and you have been wanting to find out how to make Michigan a "Right to Work" state, Gary Glenn is a must see. All welcome.

Great news for Muskegon. Below is the email about it. The nice graphics won't transfer but the facts are there.

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The Center Right Coalition is Expanding Two Meetings, March 18

Lansing 9:30 am - Muskegon 5:00 pm

Agenda for Lansing March 18, 9:30 amSamuel Ingham Building
116 W. Ottawa Lansing MI
• Gary Glenn, AFA-Michigan. Gary will be giving an in-depth presentation about his personal experiences as Director of the Right-to-Work campaign in Idaho in the 1980's, what the landscape for RTW looks like in Michigan, why it is needed and how it can be accomplished.

• David R. Breuhan, author of "Spread the Wealth" will be speaking on the subject, "Tell the Government to Stop the Printing Press, it is Time for a Market Based Recovery." Breuhan is a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan based money manager who specializes in the management of corporate retirement plans and asset management for high net worth individuals. He received his Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was graduated with high distinction from Walsh College being awarded a Master of Science in Finance.

• More to be announced.

Agenda for Muskegon March 18, 5:00 p.m.Toast n Jam's Restaurant 3462 Henry Street
Muskegon, MI 49441-4356. ph(231) 737-5267

• Gary Glenn, AFA-Michigan. Gary will be giving an in-depth presentation about his personal experiences as Director of the Right-to-Work campaign in Idaho in the 1980's, what the landscape for RTW looks like in Michigan, why it is needed and how it can be accomplished.

• Ken Punter, candidate for State Representative, 91st district. Ken will be discussing his campaign and the issues facing te 91st district.

• More to be announced.

Special thanks for Arline Helms and Toast-n-Jams Restaurant for making this event happen.
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Do You Believe in Limited Government?
If you believe government is too big and intrusive, if you believe government taxes and regulates too much, then Center Right is where you need to be. Each month we will:
• Discuss bills before the legislature that need to be defeated because they grow government, or supported because they put limits on government.
• Hear from local elected officials or activists who are keeping watch on the growth of government at the city, township and county level.
• Listen to and ask questions of candidates for office who are running as limited-government conservatives.
• Network with local and state organizations like Mackinac Center, Americans for Prosperity, Education Action Group, MI-FairTax, and local Tea Party Organizations.
• Strategize on how to be effective at protecting our liberties.
You are welcome to bring any issues to the meeting you believe are appropriate. Please let me know if you would like to make a presentation. You will be given 5 minutes to speak, and answer questions. Please bring handouts that explain your issue in detail. Typical attendance is around 50.

If you would like to present, or if you have any questions, please contact me. I hope to see you there!




www.JackForMichigan.org

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

PD Handbook 2010

MICHIGAN REPUBLICANS








Precinct Delegate Basics

What is a Precinct?

A precinct is the smallest political geographic division in a state. The area varies in size and is determined by population. A precinct contains a maximum of 2,999 registered voters, although many precincts are smaller. It is up to the local municipalities to draw their own precinct lines.

What is a Precinct Delegate?

A Precinct Delegate is an elected representative to the local political party from the precinct. Every precinct has at least one Republican Delegate, and some have more. The local party determines the number of delegates based on the number of Republican votes in that precinct in the previous election.

How do you become a Precinct Delegate?

A person running for Precinct Delegate must be a registered voter residing in the precinct in which they are running. The Candidate needs to fill out an "Affidavit of Identity." Affidavits are available at County Clerks’ offices as well as City and Township offices. These affidavits need to be notarized by a Notary Public. Notary Publics can be found at the County Clerks office or at a local bank. Once the affidavit is completed it is turned into the County, City or Township Clerk where you live. The affidavit must be submitted no later then 4:00 p.m. on May 11. 2010. Once the candidate files, their name is placed on the ballot in the August primary. Their name is under the heading “Candidate for County Convention Delegate.” The primary ballots are separated by political party, so only Republican voters vote for the Republican candidate. In the case that the race is contested the person with the most votes wins.

When are Precinct Delegates elected and how long is the term?

Precinct Delegates are elected in the August primary election of even numbered years. In 2010 this election will take place on August 3rd. The term is a two-year term, so delegates elected in August 2010 will serve until the August primary of 2012.


Paid for by the Michigan Republican State Committee with regulated funds.

PO Box 24187, Lansing MI 48909. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.


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What are the duties of a Precinct Delegate?

The official role of a Precinct Delegate is to attend all County Conventions during the two-year term. The number of County Conventions varies from three to four, depending on if it is a Presidential or Gubernatorial cycle. In addition, Precinct Delegates are involved in helping local parties and candidates in a variety of activities.

What if I need to withdraw?

Sometimes circumstances occur in which a candidate needs to withdraw their candidacy. A Precinct Delegate can withdraw until three days after the filing deadline, which is May 11, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.

How do I know if I am elected?

On the day after the election you can call your County Clerk’s office to find out if you were elected. The Clerk will also notify successful Precinct Delegates by mail.

Making a Difference

Why Should I become a Precinct Delegate?

Politics begins at the local level when you talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about the issues that are important to you. Once you get involved and become a Precinct Delegate you have the opportunity to share these issues and concerns and make a difference.

How do I make a difference?

Precinct Delegates play a key role in electing Republicans to every office.
As a liaison to your community you have the opportunity to build personal relationships with Candidates and Party Leaders. These individuals come to you when they need to know specifics about your community. In addition, Precinct Delegates have the opportunity to attend State Conventions where they help select many of the Republican Candidates for the statewide offices.

As a Precinct Delegate you have the opportunity to attend Republican gatherings where you can meet and make friends with people who share a similar philosophy. You also have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge on current issues, legislation, and party policy through your contacts. This knowledge will help you be in a position to effectively express your views and share your opinions.

Remember, as a Precinct Delegate you are taking an active role in retaining and strengthening the freedoms that make America great and you are making a difference.







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Where to Start

Where is my Precinct?

The first thing to do is find out which Precinct you live in. You can get this information from your voter registration card or from the County, City, or Township Clerk where you live. Once you get this information the next step is to get a map. Maps are available from the local clerks. Your Republican County organization may also be able to provide you with a map. The map will show you the boundaries of your Precinct.

How do I get to know my Precinct?

Once you have your map the best thing to do is drive around your district. As you are driving take notice of the characteristics of your Precinct. Notice which areas are industrial, commercial, farmland, or residential. Make note of the kinds of homes in your area. Are they single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, or communities with restricted access? Look for growth, new homes, subdivisions, or businesses. All of this information will be useful to you, the Precinct Delegate, as well as local candidates as you plan for election activities.

How do I get to know the people in my Precinct?

After you have driven around your Precinct and become familiar with the area, it is time to meet the people who live there. The best way to do this is by walking your precinct. It is a good idea to walk your precinct at least once a year. This shows you are active in your neighborhood and that you care about the community. It is a great way to find out where the Republicans live. Once you have identified Republicans in your precinct, you can ask them to volunteer during the next election, place a yard sign in their yard, and remind them to vote on Election Day. Keeping in contact with the Republicans in your precinct is a great resource for all of the Republican candidates.

What else do I need to know?

It is important to remember that you have been chosen by the Republicans in your precinct to be the liaison to the Republican Party. As a Precinct Delegate, you will be asked to help with a variety of activities. Your help is needed by local candidates and the party as a whole because of the local knowledge you have of your precinct. Others in your area will look to you for Republican information and connections. You are the point person for your precinct.

What other activities might Precinct Delegates perform leading up to an election?

The Republican State Party has several programs they ask Precinct Delegates to assist in implementing. These programs include distributing yard signs
performing literature drops, helping with absentee voter programs, and get-out-the-vote phone calling. These programs are an important part of the campaigns of local and statewide candidates. Participation in these programs makes the difference between Republican candidates winning and losing.

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Election Day

What happens on Election Day?

After months of hard work and campaigning, the only thing that matters is the results on Election Day. For this reason there are several programs that run on election day. These programs are important to ensure that our voters get to the polls and that they vote for the entire Republican ticket. On election day, you should be involved with three main programs. These programs are working the polls, poll watching, and GOTV phone calls.

How do you work the polls?

Working the polls is the last chance you get to inform the voters about the Republican Candidates. When volunteers work the poll, they stand outside of the polling place for the precinct and pass out information about specific candidates or slate cards for the entire ticket. They give this information to voters as they enter the building to vote. One thing to remember is that Michigan state law requires that poll workers must stay at least 100 feet from the entrance to the polls.

What is poll watching?

Poll watching is a way to check if the Republicans in your district have voted. Take the precinct list to the poll and check off the names of all the Republicans that vote. Around 5:00 p.m. take the list to a phone bank, or your home and make phone calls to the Republicans who have not yet voted. Remind them that time is running out to vote and that the polls are only open until 8:00 p.m. This is a great way to ensure that every Republican votes. Poll watching is more important than working the polls, so if you can only find one volunteer to work at a specific time, have them poll watch.

Do I continue GOTV Phone calls?

Yes, Get-Out-The-Vote phone calls must continue on Election Day. If you have already called your list, call them again. Do not be afraid to call too many times. Offer voters rides to polls if they need them, and have volunteers available to pick them up. Make sure that everyone on your list has been reminded to vote on Election Day. GOTV phone calls should be the number one priority for Precinct Delegates.

Important Dates to Remember in 2010

May 11, 2010 Filing Deadline for Precinct Delegates

August 3, 2010 Primary Elections

August 14, 2010 County Conventions

August 23, 2010 State Convention

November 4, 2010 General Election

Late November 2010 County Conventions



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What offices are on the ballot in 2010?

Governor / Lt. Governor State Board of Education (2)

Secretary of State University of Michigan Regents (2)
Attorney General Michigan State University Trustees (2)

All 15 US Representatives in Congress Wayne State University Trustees (2)

All 110 State Representatives Justice of the Supreme Court
All 38 State Senators Judge of the Court of Appeals

Judge of the Circuit Court

Judge of the District Court

Judge of Probate
County Conventions

What is a County Convention?

A County Convention is a meeting of the Precinct Delegates and Elected Officials in a County. At these meetings the participants elect individuals to be delegates and alternates to the State Convention or they elect people to serve on the County Party Executive Committee.

When do County Conventions take place?

The first County Convention will be held on August 12, 2010, soon after the August Primary when the Precinct Delegates are elected. The next County Convention will be held within 20 days of the November 2, 2010 General Election.

The third and final County Convention will take place in January 2009. In Presidential election years there is an additional County Convention, which takes place in April.

What specifically occurs at each of these Conventions?

August 2010 - At the August County Convention, the newly elected Precinct Delegates meet together to elect delegates and alternates to the State Convention. In 2010, the State Convention will be held on August 28, 2010. At this State Convention the delegates will elect candidates for the following statewide offices:

Michigan Supreme Court (2)
Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2)
University of Michigan Board of Regents (2)
Wayne State University Board of Governors (2)
State Board of Education (2)

At this State Convention in gubernatorial election years, all of these statewide offices are elected in addition to Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General. These positions are four-year terms and only elected in the gubernatorial election year.

November 2010 - At the November County Convention, Precinct Delegates elect the members of the County Executive Committee. The members of the Executive Committee serve a two-year term.

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January 2011 - At the January County Convention, Precinct Delegates elect delegates and alternates to the State Convention. The State Convention is in late January or early February and is held to elect the Republican State Party leadership. The leadership positions to be elected at this convention are the following:

State Chairman and Co-Chairman District Executive Committee Members

Six Vice-Chairmen District Officers
State Committee Members

In Presidential election years there is an additional County Convention in April.

April - During this County Convention the Precinct Delegates again elect people to be delegates and alternates to the State Convention in May. At the May State Convention the delegates elect people to be delegates to the Republican National Convention and elect the Republican National Committeeman and Committeewoman from Michigan.

How do I know when and where the Conventions take place?

About thirty days before the County Convention, Precinct Delegates should receive an official Call to Convention. The official call will be sent out by the Republican County Chair and will give all of the details of the County Convention. If you are elected a Delegate or an Alternate to a State Convention you will receive information from the Michigan Republican Party.





I AM A REPUBLICAN BECAUSE . . .

I believe in a strong America that protects our freedoms, and champions democratic ideals throughout the world.

I believe in an America with a conservative, limited government.

I believe that everyone is created equal, and that we are blessed with rights that cannot be taken from us.

I believe in the free market and fiscal responsibility.

I believe in an America where our children receive the best education in the world, and understand values like decency, responsibility, and honor.

I believe in an America where we feel safe in homes and secure in our communities.

I believe in an America with the compassion to care for those who cannot care for themselves.

And, finally, I believe that the Republican Party is the best conduit for my convictions.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Muskgon County Republican Dues Schedule


Annual Membership Dues Invoice
Muskegon County Republican Party

If you have already paid your 2009 dues please disregard this notice.

2009 Annual Dues (dues are for 12 months)
Membership Levels

General Membership $ 30 (Includes newsletters, invitations to events, & Get Involved Opportunities)

GOP Club Membership $ 75 (Includes above PLUS one Lincoln Day Dinner Ticket)

Century Club Membership $150 (Includes all general membership opportunities PLUS one Lincoln Day Dinner Ticket PLUS one ticket to one other event for the year)

400 Club Membership $400 (Includes all general membership opportunities PLUS 2 Lincoln Day Dinner Tickets, 2 tickets to one other event for the year PLUS private VIP receptions & reserved seating at events)

Please print this Invoice and include your payment -
Mail to:
Muskegon Republican Party Treasurer - 143 Ruddiman Dr, N Muskegon, MI 49445


Name:_____________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

e-mail______________________________________________________________
Please include your email as we are in the process of converting to e-mail whenever possible.


Phone:_____________________________________________________________

Membership level desired__________________Amount Enclosed_______________
Personal Checks only
Please make the checks out to Muskegon GOP
Political Contributions are non tax deductable

From an email from Susie Hughes Vice-Chair

Friday, September 4, 2009

Dems Consider GOP Reforms

Dems Consider GOP Reforms

Senate, House Republican plans public for months to balance budget, avoid shutdown, and protect essential services WITHOUT raising taxes

Calling today's 11th-hour marathon budget session a step in the right direction, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer today invited the governor and House Democrats to make their outline to balance the budget public and demonstrate their sincerity by moving it through the legislative process.

Bishop said his caucus already sent House Democrats and the governor their plan to balance the budget without raising taxes, noting a clear difference in priorities between Republicans and Democrats.

"The Senate Republicans have a public plan that has been vetted through committees and passed by the full Senate," said Bishop, R-Rochester. "We are looking forward to a budget process that is transparent and clear, not held behind closed doors with unaccountable and unelected mediators. As we close in on the Oct. 1 deadline, we are also looking for expedient action from the House and governor."

Elsenheimer noted the House Republican plan to Reinvigorate, Reinvest and Reform Michigan was introduced 43 days ago on July 22. The House Republican plan creates jobs, balances the budget without raising taxes, and preserves stimulus dollars to jumpstart the state's economy.

"Republicans have a plan to solve the budget crisis without raising taxes - and we're ready to balance the budget today," said Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin. "The GOP plans are on the table, before the public, ready to go. I'm disappointed that the state is in the shadows of another government shutdown after the House Democrats' summer vacation, and when the ideas proposed today start to move in the form of legislation, then we'll know they are serious."

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____________________________
Phyllis Browne
Communications Manager
Michigan House of Representatives
(517) 373-1690 office
(269) 806-4936 cell
____________________________

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Ken Punter makes it Official

Breaking >>>>> Punter makes it official, he is running for the 91st


________________ ______________________________________________________
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Ken Punter, 49, of Ravenna, has announced
his candidacy for the 91st District seat in the Michigan House of Representatives and is running as a Republican.

Ken is the manager and minority partner in Crockery Creek Farms; located in Ravenna and Fremont.

Ken is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and retired as a Lieutenant
Colonel in the Marine Corps after 22 years of active and reserve duty. He has served
on the Ravenna School Board, the Ravenna Zoning Board of Appeals, and the
Ravenna Community Educational Foundation.

He was a Cub Scout leader, spent time as a little league coach, and is a registered MHSAA official for cross country and track.

Ken is a first generation American and believes in giving back to the community
as is evidenced by his service to United States Military and the activities he has
participated in at the local level. He is especially adamant about being a “Servant
Leader” for the 91st District.

Ken’s campaign is of a grassroots nature and will require many volunteers and
contributors to win the August 3, 2010 primary and subsequent November 2nd election.
More information about Ken can be found at votePUNTER.com.

Citizens for Ken Punter
P.O. Box 73
Ravenna, MI 49451
(231)853-6109
www.votePUNTER.com
kenpunter@votePUNTER.com

Paid for by Citizens for Ken Punter

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Candidates for the Primary 2010 testing format

1. Republican Primary Candidates for 34th State Senate Seat.Map of District. Muskegon,Mason,Newaygo and Lake Counties.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Senate_state_16748_7.pdf

Goeff Hansen


Web site
http://www.hansen4senate.com/
Interview at Bottom Up Politics
http://bottomuppolitics.blogspot.com/2009/06/goeff-hansen-interview-34th-state.html