According to a report on MLive, Michigan Republicans are demanding that the investigation into Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer’s involvement in a 2010 plot to split the conservative vote in Metro Detroit by running fake Tea Party candidates against establishment Republicans, be reopened.
Here’s a clip:
…Bobby Schostak, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, today called on his counterpart to step down and is encouraging Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper to re-open an investigation into the scheme that resulted in two felony convictions.
Mike McGuinness, former chairman of the Oakland County Democratic Party, pleaded no contest to multiple perjury charges for falsifying candidate filing documents and last year was sentenced to probation.
McGuinness — or someone with access to his account — last night posted an explosive comment on the Michigan Liberal blog, accusing Brewer of “cultivating” the scheme and using an “emissary” to request his assistance in the plot.
“I thought I was being a loyal party soldier, doing just what the Republicans would do,” read the post. “I deserve all the scorn I got. I’m not interested in relitigating the past, but I got six felonies and (Brewer) got another term as chair”…
Ostensibly, this is a story about Republicans wanting Brewer’s head for past crimes, but I suspect that the attack, in actuality, is coming from inside the Democratic Party.
I’m not privy to any inside-the-party scuttlebutt, but my sense is that it isn’t just a coincidence that this is happening right now, as we’re fast approaching the February 23 convention of the Michigan Democratic Party, during which members will be electing their next chairperson. Brewer, who is running for his tenth two-year term, has controlled the party since 1995. And, for the first time since 2003, when Jennifer Granholm supported a challenger against him, he’s facing some very real opposition… which shouldn’t really be a surprise to anyone, given the significant ass-kicking Michigan Democrats have suffered these last few years. Not only did he, in the minds of many, completely screw up when he tried to push so many ballot initiatives this last election cycle, instead of just focusing on something like Proposition 2, and making it happen, but he proved to be completely ineffectual against the legislative onslaught of far-right Republicans during the lame duck session, in which 282 Republican bills were forced through the legislature. And it’s really no surprise that, with the passage of right-to-work legislation, his support within the unions is finally starting to crumble.
For years, whenever I’d ask folks why Brewer was still in power, I’d be told that he was untouchable because of his union support. Simply put, I was told that he was the UAW’s man, and, as such, he’d stay right where he was until they found someone else. But, it looks as though change may be on the horizon. The following comes from my friend Chris’s site, Eclectablog.
…Current party Chair Mark Brewer no longer has the support of the UAW, the Teamsters, or of several major Democrats including Congressman Sander Levin. Gongwer and MIRS both report that Bob King of the UAW and James Hoffa of the Teamsters have told Brewer he no longer has their support. Brewer is determined to run anyway.
The battle has already gotten nasty with MIRS reporting that a party insider is calling King’s move “the temper-tantrum school of politics,” saying that he seems “more than happy being in a minority, a shrinking minority, than growing the Democratic Party”…
Not one to give up easily, Brewer is mounting a full-on public relations assault, traveling back and forth across the state, pressing the flesh, and making the case… one would assume… that, despite how shitty things are, he’s the best person we’ve got. (Based on what he says about himself on his website, I think it’s safe to say that he’s confident of his abilities. “Mark Brewer,” the website says, “is the most experienced Michigan Democratic Chair since the 1950′s, and is the most experienced Democratic state party chair in the country.”)
The question, as I see it, isn’t whether or not Brewer should leave, but who should take his place. I’m sure he’s a brilliant guy (I hear he knows more about campaign law than anyone in the state), but I think it’s pretty clear, based on what’s happening all around us, that we need someone who can better articulate a vision, rally an army, develop young leaders across the state, leverage social media, and bring in big money. We need someone who isn’t just thinking about how to put out the next fire, but proactively putting the pieces in place so that we’re moving things in the right direction for the next 50 years. We need someone who has a plan to construct a Democratic answer to the Mackinac Center, and access to donors who can make it happen.
I don’t know the first thing about him, but, according to columnist Jack Lessenberry, the frontrunner in the race against Brewer is a man by the name of Lon Johnson, who Lessenberry calls “a skilled fundraiser with close ties to the Obama Administration.” Granted, I haven’t spent a lot of time looking into Johnson’s qualifications, but, so far, I haven’t found much to demonstrate that he is either a “skilled fundraiser,” or has substantial ties to the Obama administration. All I can find is that he’s a resident of Kalkaska, who ran for the Michigan House in November and narrowly lost to the incumbent Republican, Bruce Rendon. If you know anything more, please leave a comment.
update: Democratic Representative to the Michigan House Jeff Irwin left the following comment on the site today, and I though that I should move it up here, to the front page.
Lon Johnson is a dynamic campaigner and candidate who almost unseated an incumbent Republican in a heavily Republican area. (Lon Johnson gets extra points for running against Rendon, champion of the anti-choice HB 5711 of 2012). If you looked at his campaign finance report you’ll see that he was very successful raising cash for his state house bid from big and small donors.
Johnson also has ties to this area as he successfully ran John Dingell’s 2002 campaign against Lynn Rivers. While I certainly miss Lynn Rivers, there is no question that Lon Johnson ran a great campaign.
Personally, I don’t oppose Brewer. He’s done a lot for the party and his job is an impossible one. He brings quite a lot of expertise and institutional knowledge to the table. Really, nobody should be able to last 18 years in that position and it’s a testament to Brewer’s ability that he has lasted so long. Still, I’m excited to have a viable alternative. Johnson could bring new energy to the party, something we dearly need.
update: Not only has Jeff weighed in, but we’ve also now heard from Mike McGuinness. He left the following this afternoon.
From your post: “I’m not privy to any inside-the-party scuttlebutt, but my sense is that it isn’t just a coincidence that this is happening right now, as we’re fast approaching the February 23 convention of the Michigan Democratic Party, during which members will be electing their next chairperson.”
Yes, I ultimately decided to make my statement prior to the vote, so that Democratic Party members and activists can make an informed judgement. It would be somewhat moot for me to share my two cents on February 24 or after.
I did not make my opinion known earlier as I was the subject of a Grand Jury Investigation, Indictment, Sentencing and Probation. My probation period has just recently ended.
There has been no recruitment or solicitation of my comments. There has been no coordination with any movement for or against any Chair candidate. I am making my statements on my own behalf. In my opinion, further silence was consent to two more years (and counting) of the same.
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Johnson’s biggest connection to the Obama administration seems to be his wife, Julianna Smoot:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julianna_Smoot
Very interesting, Jim. Thanks for sharing that… Maybe she should run against Brewer.
I don’t mean this to sound snarky. Johnson may be awesome, and all for trying something new, but… does being married to a top fund political raiser for Democrats and a Deputy Manager of Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential reelection campaign, really make someone “a skilled fundraiser with close ties to the Obama Administration”?
Former debutante-turned star political fundraiser.
From September 2012:
Read more:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/03/3499960/former-nc-debutante-julianna-smoot.html#storylink=cpy
The state party cannot just be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the UAW. We tried that, and it doesn’t work.
Just think of how bad things would be if we didn’t have Brewer in office.
In all seriousness, I hold Brewer responsible for the fact that, after 18 years in office, we don’t have any candidates who seem capable of taking on an incredibly weak candidate like Rick Snyder.
Lon Johnson is a dynamic campaigner and candidate who almost unseated an incumbent Republican in a heavily Republican area. (Lon Johnson gets extra points for running against Rendon, champion of the anti-choice HB 5711 of 2012). If you looked at his campaign finance report you’ll see that he was very successful raising cash for his state house bid from big and small donors.
Johnson also has ties to this area as he successfully ran John Dingell’s 2002 campaign against Lynn Rivers. While I certainly miss Lynn Rivers, there is no question that Lon Johnson ran a great campaign.
Personally, I don’t oppose Brewer. He’s done a lot for the party and his job is an impossible one. He brings quite a lot of expertise and institutional knowledge to the table. Really, nobody should be able to last 18 years in that position and it’s a testament to Brewer’s ability that he has lasted so long. Still, I’m excited to have a viable alternative. Johnson could bring new energy to the party, something we dearly need.
Jeff’s smart not to pick sides. In his position, I wouldn’t either. Still, though, if you read between the lines, it seems like he’s pulling for Lon.
I’ve seen men take credit for the work of women in lesser positions many times— a cultural legacy of the secretary days. Apparently, now a man can take on the resume of his wife. This may herald a new age of trophy husbands…
From your post: “I’m not privy to any inside-the-party scuttlebutt, but my sense is that it isn’t just a coincidence that this is happening right now, as we’re fast approaching the February 23 convention of the Michigan Democratic Party, during which members will be electing their next chairperson.”
Yes, I ultimately decided to make my statement prior to the vote, so that Democratic Party members and activists can make an informed judgement. It would be somewhat moot for me to share my two cents on February 24 or after.
I did not make my opinion known earlier as I was the subject of a Grand Jury Investigation, Indictment, Sentencing and Probation. My probation period has just recently ended.
There has been no recruitment or solicitation of my comments. There has been no coordination with any movement for or against any Chair candidate. I am making my statements on my own behalf. In my opinion, further silence was consent to two more years (and counting) of the same.
Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.
Who’s next?
Might we hear from Brewer?
I’m afraid my mom won’t let me keep coming here if she hears that felons are loitering in the comments section.
Speaking of state party chairs did you hear about the tweet yesterday from the former head of the Republican party in South Carolina?
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2013/02/04/former-head-of-south-carolina-gop-does-a-little-freelance-outreach-to-the-african-american-community
Stick a fork in the Brewer chairmanship–both Senators and all five Democratic Representatives have endorsed Johnson.
In 2012 we were able to achieve some important victories. Unfortunately, we suffered disappointing State losses and we now face many challenges in Michigan with the actions of the Governor, the State Legislature and the Michigan Supreme Court. We have a lot of work to do together to change this dynamic and win at the state and local levels.
We believe that the combination of challenges and opportunities that dramatically confront Michigan Democrats today have called on us as elected Democrats to urge a new and inclusive chapter in MDP leadership.
There exists around our state an abundance of leaders, committed activists and talented local elected officials and now is the time to send a clarion call to all – those involved in the Party and those not yet involved – that the Party is the place to gather to advance Democratic values. We must build a stronger organization that reaches out to more constituents, conducts more organizing activities, pushes the envelope on technology, communicates a consistent message, builds infrastructure around the state and raises a broad range of resources to accomplish these objectives.
That is why we are excited to support Lon Johnson to be our next State Party Chair. He is a strong leader who represents the future of our Party in Michigan.
For more than 20 years, Lon has served in critical strategic roles for political campaigns and committees, advocacy organizations and businesses, including key positions at the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Congressman John Dingell’s 2002 campaign. In 2012, he ran for the Michigan State House of Representatives in the 103rd District, and received more than 47% of the vote in a Republican district. Lon grew up in the Downriver community of Rockwood. He currently lives in northern Michigan with his wife, Julianna Smoot, who served as Deputy Campaign Manager for President Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012.
We believe Lon is the right leader and will bring to the Party vision, energy and a commitment to collaboration.
As a Democratic family, we have worked hard together on so many issues important to our state. We respect the hard work and long service of our current State Chair, the MDP staff, volunteers, and organizations throughout the state. This is about uniting for the future of our Party. We invite you to join us.
Debbie should have been in advertising.
Dear Friends,
I am writing to let you know I am running for re-election to Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party and to ask for your support.
Like many of you, my roots in the MDP started at the local level. I worked my way up starting with the Young Dems and held positions as Club President, County Party Treasurer, and District Chair. Those experiences gave me an appreciation of the challenges, goals, and expectations of Party leaders at all levels.
In my time as MDP Chair, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know many of you. I’ve traveled to all 83 counties and built countless relationships along the way. I’ve worked to balance the needs of all members – grassroots activists, local party leaders, organizations, candidates and elected officials. We are a robust, diverse, and inclusive Party. I’ve always taken into consideration the unique needs of everyone involved and worked for long-term success and stability.
During that time, you have also gotten to know me. You know I have never been interested in using the Chair position to get ahead or move on to the next office. My sole focus has been building a successful Party meant to last – investing in programs that allow candidates and Party organizations to grow and succeed.
Together, we have accomplished a lot. I am particularly proud of advances we have made in areas of:
Fiscal Responsibility and Financial Stability:
When you first entrusted me as Chair, the MDP was nearly $800,000 in debt. I paid off that debt, and on my watch we’ve maintained a balanced budget, have never been in debt, and achieved solid fundraising goals. Our Party membership is the highest it has been in 25 years at 13,000+ members strong, and our online fundraising is strong and growing. In addition, I have refused personal pay increases and ensured those resources are put toward winning elections.
I have also worked with you to make sure your resources are optimized. The MDP has worked with candidates and Democratic groups to save millions of dollars on printing literature and mailings, and assisted with communications. In addition, I regularly work with Democratic leaders – at no cost from the Party- to ensure complicated campaign finance laws are properly observed, saving candidates and local organizations from expensive fines and political embarrassment.
Party Building:
Under my leadership, the MDP has worked hard to ensure candidates and organizations have what they need to win. I provide a variety of Party trainings covering compliance, fundraising, communications, and field. In the last election cycle alone, the MDP trained 487 Party leaders.
In my time as Chair, we’ve also invested in technology that helps Party organizations grow and succeed. Michigan was one of the first states to utilize the Voter Activation Network (VAN) and provide free access to this valuable resource to all Democratic groups and candidates in general elections.
Party Building has helped the MDP build a solid farm team of both future elected officials and political staff. In the last 3 election cycles alone, we’ve played a direct role in dozens of municipal and county victories. And when you talk about farm team, you need to include people who help our candidates get elected. I’m proud to say the hard-working staff at Hart-Kennedy House has gone on to work in Michigan and around the country for important political figures at every level and at major political organizations. And our strong intern program has provided a path for young people to get involved in the Party.
I’ve also made it a main priority to grow our constituency caucuses to ensure the MDP truly reflects our state. Today we have the largest number of constituency caucuses of any State Party in the country.
Investment in Social Media and Web Communications:
Growing our social media presence has been another focus. In 2012, MDP’s Facebook page added more “likes” than any other Democratic State Party. Our Twitter following increased by 70% last year and now has the 8th largest following of all Democratic State Party organizations. And on YouTube, the MDP received the 2nd most views of any State Party in 2012 for our Supreme Court video, “Can’t Run.”
Our Email and web presence has been significant in recent years. In 2012, MichiganDems.com received 333,866 page visits. We also developed several micro-websites that take on GOP candidates including: TheRealBruceRendon.com; BolgerGate.com; and JudgeColleenOBrien.net.
The MDP has been a leader in email communication, too. We have gathered the largest Email list of any Democratic organization in Michigan – and in 2012 alone we sent out 67 statewide Email blasts.
Taking the fight to the Republicans:
I have always been on the frontlines when it comes to taking on the GOP. In 2012, I worked with Senate and House leadership to expose Republican Leader Jase Bolger’s election rigging scheme. I also took the fight to Pete Hoekstra for his bogus attacks on Sen. Stabenow. In past elections I have gone on the offensive against Dick DeVos and Cliff Taylor. Currently, I am taking on the GOP’s latest scheme – an attempt to rig the Electoral College system. I promise I will continue to do whatever it takes to keep up the fight against extreme Republicans.
Working Hard and Leading by Example:
We ask our candidates to work hard, and I believe the Party Chair must lead by example. I have maintained an around-the-clock work schedule going everywhere in the state to engage Democratic leaders and activists. I have traveled to Party meetings in all 83 counties including regular trips through the Upper Peninsula. I regularly attend church services in Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and Grand Rapids and conduct outreach to religious leaders of all denominations. My schedule also includes a college tour and youth outreach. And I work closely and attend events for Labor, environmental, and progressive groups.
Winning Elections:
Since I became MDP Chair, Michigan has voted for every Democratic Presidential candidate. During that time, we elected Governor Granholm to two terms; Sen. Stabenow to three terms; Sen. Levin to three terms; maintained one of the most-respected and influential Congressional Delegations in the country; won Supreme Court seats; achieved big victories in the State Legislature despite GOP gerrymandering (including majority in the State House in 2006), countless victories up and down the ballot, and many important ballot questions including the right to keep Straight Party Voting on the ballot as well as the ballot measure that allows our Party organizations to maintain BINGO operations – a major source of income for many Democratic groups.
Moving Forward:
I’m proud of the work we have done, but I know we can do better. Moving forward, I believe there is much we can learn from the structure of President Obama’s successful campaigns. I will work to continue to implement many of the technological and organizational practices the President pioneered.
I also believe we need to address the very serious issue of gerrymandered legislative and Congressional Districts. Democratic statewide turnout has not been translating into victories at the Congressional, state legislative and local levels. This warped system designed by the GOP is a major obstacle to securing more victories. If we do not fix this rigged system, our efforts to provide resources and run good candidates could be for naught. It will be one of my top priorities to implement redistricting reform to ensure that Democrats are fairly represented at all levels.
Friends, I have not taken my decision to run for re-election lightly. This is a decision I have made after careful consideration and consultation with groups and individuals at all levels. I am more excited than ever to get back to work for victory in 2014. I look forward to continuing to work in an inclusive manner to make our Party even stronger.
I will continue a 24/7 work ethic – because the Republicans never stop. I will continue to be a responsive Chair, returning phone calls in a timely fashion and making myself available for speaking engagements, trainings or working through complex campaign finance issues. I will work to continue to grow our Party and work with all our members throughout the state.
And I will continue to put my heart and soul into the #1 job of a Party Chair: Ensuring our candidates and organizations receive the training and resources they need to beat Republicans up and down the ticket.
Thank you for all of your efforts through the years. I ask for your support for re-election to Chair so I can continue this important fight with you.
Sincerely,
Mark Brewer
TLDR
yes, this fellow will save you:
http://imgur.com/008i54j
Dingell’s chosen sides as well.
ps:
If you are a business leader and would like to contribute to my slush fund, hit my cell.
Oh my goodness, I owe the site an apology: I misspelled judgment in my comment the other day. I’m sorry for my mistake!
Election fraud isn’t a joke. No matter what side you’re on.
Eclectablog has coverage of this weekend’s event in Ann Arbor during which both Johnson and Brewer spoke.
http://www.eclectablog.com/2013/02/ann-arbor-dems-host-candidates-for-michigan-dem-party-chair-at-the-political-event-of-the-year-so-far.html
Lon’s plan:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=332224206882355&set=a.330316030406506.62772.328693040568805&type=1&theater
I am happy to announce that the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has endorsed my campaign for MDP Chair.
“On behalf of the roughly 75,000 members of the SEIU State Council, I am happy to announce our support for Mark Brewer,” said Marge Robinson-Faville, President of SEIU Healthcare Michigan and the SEIU Michigan State Council. “Mark has long been a voice for inclusion in the Democratic Party and steadfast in his support of an agenda for working people. His tireless work to strengthen the Democratic Party beginning with grassroots activists is in line with the member-driven philosophy and practices of SEIU.”
SEIU is an organization of 2.2 million members and the fastest growing labor organization in North America. Here in Michigan, the SEIU Michigan State Council consists of four locals, together which represent members in every area of the state.
SEIU joins an extensive list of groups supporting my campaign, including:
Michigan Education Association (MEA); Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters; Michigan Laborers; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); Greater Lansing Labor Council; and South-Central Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Council.
More than 80 Democratic Leaders and Organizations have supported my campaign.
The Michigan Democratic Party’s Convention will be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Cobo Center in Detroit.
Thank you for all of your efforts through the years. I ask for your support for re-election to Chair so I can continue this important fight with you.
Sincerely,
Mark Brewer
I just got the following update from a friend who is at the convention this morning.
Nothing against Johnson, but I think that I could have beaten Brewer this year.
Brewer conceded.
Word on the street is that Johnson is an idiot married to a once-influential idiot.
Dear Friends,
First of all, I want to thank the 3600+ Democrats who turned out last Saturday at the MDP State Convention. It was an amazing scene and a sure sign that Democrats are more charged up than ever and ready to win races up and down the ticket. Your passion, enthusiasm and commitment will be critical as we look ahead to an important election year.
I also want to congratulate Lon Johnson and ask everyone to unite and rally around his leadership as we put our focus on fighting for the issues we all care about – but he can’t do it alone. From grassroots activists to Democratic Party leadership, we must all do our part to ensure a successful MDP.
Friends, I can’t begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed serving as your Party Chair. It has truly been more than a job to me. The MDP has been like family. Over the last few weeks, I’ve thought a lot about the people I have met along the way – the friendships; the campaign stories; the amazing dedication so many of you have put into fighting for the issues we care about. Your commitment motivated me every day and made me want to work as hard as I possibly could. We didn’t always win – but we always gave it our all and we left everything we had on the field.
As I said last Saturday at the State Convention, I’m not going anywhere. I plan on spending the next few weeks catching up with friends and family and thinking about how I can best contribute to our Party’s success. I will let you know about my plans and hope you all will stay in touch. You can email me at my personal email address mbrewerdems@gmail.com, or connect with me on Facebook.
Thank you again for all you do to help Democrats. Now let’s support Lon and work together for a successful 2014.
Sincerely,
Mark Brewer
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