It never hurts to be bipartisan, and it definitely never hurts for the other guy's base to be divided.

Luckily for Mark Schauer, both of these are true.

The Schauer for Congress campaign just sent out a press release announcing the "Republicans for Schauer"-- prominent Republicans from around the district and in the state government who have come out either in recent weeks or today and endorsed Senator Schauer over Tim Walberg.

BATTLE CREEK—Today several prominent Republicans announced their support for state Senator Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) over incumbent Congressman Tim Walberg, citing Schauer's ability to work across the aisle to get things done.

"Mark Schauer puts getting results for people ahead of partisan concerns," said Retired Jackson Circuit Judge Charles Nelson. "We worked together on starting the drug court that has saved our community crucial tax dollars and made the system more efficient. Mark will bring those same values to Congress."

Schauer has a long track record of partnering with Republicans on important issues. He fought side-by-side with former Congressman Joe Schwarz and Senator Carl Levin to save local jobs when the federal government threatened to close the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base. He also worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass an extension of SmartZones that could help provide incentives for economic growth in south central Michigan.

"Losing your home to foreclosure happens to both Republicans and Democrats and that hurts all of us," said Jim Logue, former Michigan State Housing Development Authority director under John Engler. "I know Mark has a deep understanding of the importance of a well-functioning housing finance system, and he has a proven track record of working across party lines for the benefit of Michigan families. We need someone in Washington who will change business as usual, and I am certain Mark will do just that."

Here are the Republicans for Schauer named in the announcement:

• Joe Schwarz, former Congressman (Battle Creek)
  
• Paul DeWeese, former state representative, 2004 GOP candidate for Congress
  
• Judith Scranton, former state representative
• Susan Grimes Width, former state representative
• David Stimpson, current Lenawee County Commissioner (Tecumseh)
  
• Charles Nelson, Retired Jackson Circuit Judge
• Jim Logue, Governor John Engler's Housing Development Authority Director

Besides Joe Schwarz, Stimpson strikes me as the biggest name there for purposes of the campaign, as a current officeholder, unopposed in November, and with connections in Lenawee County.

This, of course, brings the obvious question: Are you a Republican? Are you rejecting Tim Walberg's closed-mindedness and supporting Mark Schauer?

If you have Republican friends who aren't crazy about Tim Walberg, you might want to let them know that Joe Schwarz, David Stimpson, and the Republicans that worked with Mark Schauer every day in state government have decided to support Schauer.

All of these people have met and know Tim Walberg. They still picked Schauer.

Labels: 2008 Election, Mark Schauer, Moderate Republicans, Republican Party, Tim Walberg

In the Adrian Daily Telegram, there was an article about Congressman Walberg's appearance at the Lenawee County Republicans' Lincoln Day Dinner. It's a pretty standard article, letting Walberg repeat his regular talking points:

“It is our duty as Americans, as Republicans and as patriots to live up to the ideals of our party,” Walberg said. “People respond to leadership, but it mustn’t flow from airy slogans of hope and change.”

That there was a swipe at Senator Barack Obama, and a subtle suggestion that if you vote for a Democrat, you don't love America.

“It’s as bad as you read about. It is broken,” he said. “The Democrats are working on a strategy of defeat in Iraq.”

That's just a lie, plain and simple. Democrats are not working on a "strategy of defeat," and Congressman Walberg knows it.

He criticized the Democrats for favoring entitlements and working to roll back the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003. He vowed to continue the fight.

That's heavy spin.

“It has been a privilege to serve, and my second term will be even better,” Walberg said.

... And that's wishful thinking.

As fun as that was, the part that caught my attention was this:

The congressman, who is seeking a second term in Washington, D.C., this year, is unopposed in the Republican primary at this time. The Democratic side is led by state Sen. Mark Schauer, who is opposed by Sharon Renier in the primary. State Sen. Cameron Brown, R-Fawn River Twp., urged the party faithful to support Walberg.

(Emphasis added.)

It might not seem like much, but just a few words in that paragraph say a lot. David Frownfelder, the reporter for the Telegram, has covered the local GOP a lot over the last few years, and I think he knew exactly what he was doing when he added "at this time" to the end of that sentence. I don't know if he knows of anyone that's getting ready to run, but it's clear that he knows there's a lot of dissent in the 7th District Republican Party right now. The fact that Cameron Brown had to urge his party to stay loyal to Walberg says a lot.

I'll admit, I have partisan reasons for wanting to see a primary challenger. If Walberg has to defend himself, then that means he has to spend money attacking someone other than Democrats. If he has to defend himself, he will be weakened in November and, once again, will be the candidate of a divided party. And if he has to defend himself, it's much less likely that he will send his supporters to vote in the Democratic Party to cause mayhem, as Republicans seem to like doing lately.

But it's not just partisanship. It's pretty clear that I run a left-leaning blog here, and I mostly seem to attract Democratic readers. Even so, I've heard from a lot of dissatisfied Republicans in the comments and in e-mails, who can't stand Democrats like me, but prefer people like me to the guy they accidentally nominated in 2006. As I've written about before, Congressman Walberg has split the 7th District Republican Party. Republicans in the district deserve a real choice and a real chance to save their party.

There's just one problem for would-be challengers: Your time is running out. The filing deadline is May 13, which is just eight days away.

With that in mind, I have a challenge and an offer to any member of the Republican Party that is thinking about challenging Tim Walberg in the primary: come to me for help. I can publicize your name, I can put you in touch with local media, I can help you get support from the many moderate Republicans that read this blog, and I'll expect nothing in exchange. All I want is for you to publicly speak out and say that you're willing to take on Congressman Walberg, and then work as hard as you can to get on the ballot. (Clark Bisbee, I'm knocking on your door... But I'll take anyone else, too!)

The Republican Party has a proud history and has helped this country grow and develop in countless ways. It was born in Jackson, Michigan way back in 1854. Don't let it die with Tim Walberg in 2008.

Labels: 2008 Speculation, Clark Bisbee, Moderate Republicans, Republican Party, Tim Walberg

It was a political lifetime ago, but many of you may remember the race for the 2004 Republican nomination in the 7th Congressional District. It was a big deal, and completely overshadowed the Democratic contest, in which Sharon Renier won her first Democratic nomination. Let's play "where are they now" and see what happened to the Republican field.

Here are the results of the 2004 Republican 7th District primary:

Joe Schwarz (R), 28%
Brad Smith (R), 22%
Tim Walberg (R), 18%
Clark Bisbee (R), 14%
Gene DeRossett (R), 11%
Paul DeWeese (R), 7%

Where are they now?

Joe Schwarz, no longer in Congress, is teaching at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, in addition to serving on any number of commissions at the state and federal level. We already know that he doesn't like Tim Walberg at all.

Clark Bisbee caught everyone's attention when he said, essentially, that he was interested in challenging Walberg in the primary, if anyone was interested in supporting him. Said Bisbee:

"I would love to be in Washington right now," Bisbee told MIRS. "I'll put it that way."

Bisbee said Walberg's "voting record could be better."

"He's kind of split the party here (in Jackson)," Bisbee said. "I don't know that he's endeared himself to everyone."

He does have concerns Walberg's seat won't hold this fall.

"My contention three years ago was that if I didn't win or Joe didn't win, there could be a big fight," Bisbee said. "And we could lose that fight."

So, it's pretty clear that Bisbee isn't a Walberg fan, either.

The MIRS article I quoted continued:

Other names being floated are the two other also-rans in the '04 primary, former Reps. Gene DeROSSETT and Paul DeWEESE.

I haven't heard anything about DeRossett, but it turns out Paul DeWeese might not be an option anymore for Republicans looking for an alternative to Walberg... From MIRS, via Michigan Liberal:

Former Rep. Paul DeWeese of Williamston, a one-time Republican Senate and congressional candidate, said he's changed parties and is now a Democrat.

For a number of years, the emergency room physician said he's watched a growing disconnect between the needs of people and the Republican Party's narrow "bankrupt ideology."

On one hand, Michigan has crumbling, potholed roads, yet the Legislature can't hold a reasonable discussion on investing in infrastructure improvement. The Michigan State Police (MSP) has DNA analysis technology, but so little funding that its multi-year waiting list keeps the innocent needlessly in jail, he said.

Instead of investing in mental health courts, the Republicans seem content to pad the state's region-high prison population rate. Instead of addressing health care, the Republicans' hand-off approach is causing emergency rooms to "burst at the seams."

(Emphasis added.)

Hmm. While he doesn't name Congressman Walberg specifically, the bit about "narrow 'bankrupt ideology'" sounds a lot like Tim.

DeWeese is sort of an odd fit for the Democratic Party, but I'm more than willing to welcome him with open arms. And Dr. Schwarz, too, if he'd like to come all the way and join the party.

So, that's Schwarz and DeWeese driven away from the GOP by the Walbergs of the party. Bisbee is ready to challenge Walberg in a primary, if he can find the support. Has anyone heard anything about Brad Smith or Gene DeRossett?

By the time Tim Walberg leaves office, will the 7th District have any Republicans left?

Labels: 2008 Speculation, Brad Smith, Clark Bisbee, Gene DeRossett, Joe Schwarz, Moderate Republicans, Paul DeWeese, Republican Party, Tim Walberg

Promoted back to the top... It's in the subscription-only MIRS today, but you can read a longer, (presumably) earlier draft of the article at Tim Skubick's blog. - Fitzy

It really didn't look very likely that Joe Schwarz would run again, but for those of you still holding out hope, journalist Tim Skubick brings us this:

Although the drop-dead date for filing for office is not until May, former Michigan Congressman John Schwarz is politically dropping dead before that. He will not run to regain his seat he lost to conservative Tim Walberg last time out in the Battle Creek area.

Caught on the state senate floor on Wednesday, Schwarz was asked if he would run?

"I don't think so. My plate is pretty darn full right now. It would probably be inappropriate to get in a congressional race now," he reveals for the first time.

and

He notes that the democrats have "a candidate" and as for an independent bid he laughs, "The road to higher office is strewn with the bodies of people who have run as independents."

Schwarz says he "came close but not close enough" to re-entering the contest but in the end, what he termed his "philosophical difference" with the core republican party in Michigan, kept him out of the hunt.

Schwarz says his dream job is to be Secretary of the Navy in a McCain administration. "I've thought about it, but not talked about it" with his buddy McCain who is the GOP nominee for president.

So, from the looks of it, Joe Schwarz just isn't interested in going through it again. And who can blame him? After decades of service, conservative members of his own party trashed his record and defeated him in a bitter, divisive primary. A life-long Republican, Schwarz now says he has trouble calling himself a member of the party.

As for Schwarz as Secretary of the Navy, I have no doubt he'd be well-suited to the role. However, given the condition that John McCain is elected president for that to happen, I'm kind of hoping he doesn't get that dream job. But that's presidential politics, and not what this blog is about.

This more or less settles the race into Walberg versus Schauer/Renier, with no other likely variables. However, this could change if someone like Clark Bisbee decides to challenge Walberg in the primary.

Clark (and other potential challengers), you have until May 13 by 4:00PM.

Labels: 2008 Election, 2008 Speculation, Joe Schwarz, John McCain, Moderate Republicans, Republican Party, Tim Walberg

Love her or hate her, Susan Demas always has interesting things to say about the 7th Congressional District. Today, she doesn't disappoint.

On a subject I've touched upon, Demas writes about the growing civil war in the Republican Party, specifically as it relates to Tim Walberg. Go read the whole article. If you're too busy or lazy for that, here's an excerpt.

It's the electability, stupid.

Conventional wisdom says ideology is king and Republicans must wheezingly lurch to the right to win in November. John McCain better pick Mitt Romney, Sean Hannity or Tom DeLay (if he's not in the slam) as veep if he wants to perk up the base.

The same debate is bobbing up in the 7th Congressional District. In the most overlooked story last week, some Michigan GOP poobahs are fishing for a candidate to knock off freshman U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg in a primary.

The preacher's problems evidently go beyond the congressional cafeteria mucking up his coffee, as he recently whined to the media. The darling of the Religious Right is a top 10 Democratic target, has burned through a lot of green and is desperately struggling to raise more.

Walberg just might be able to accomplish a feat no one thought possible: He could lose the blood-red 7th District.

Though there are several good prospects - popular former state Rep. Clark Bisbee of Jackson is rarin' to go - a primary remains unlikely.

Why? Just look at 2006, when Walberg handily defeated then-U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz, an almost universally respected public servant of four decades who had won his seat with almost 60 percent of the vote.

"Republican powerbrokers can't go to the right of Tim and still be Republican," says former state Sen. Phil Hoffman, a Walberg supporter. "And Tim's shown that if you go to the left of him, he can beat you."

Hoffman knows more about the 7th District than just about anyone I know. And primaries tend to be orgies for extremists.

Really, go read the whole thing. I think it's worth it.

This is obviously a pro-Democratic, rather left-leaning blog, but I'd love to hear from any disaffected Republicans out there. Who would you like to see run? If Joe Schwarz doesn't get into the race (which, at this point, he probably won't), is there someone else you'd support? Between Walberg and Schauer or Walberg and Renier, would you pick a lesser of two evils, or would you stay home?

If you're a Republican Party leader, would you like to see Tim Walberg step aside for the good of the party? Or is it too late?

Labels: 2008 Election, 2008 Speculation, Moderate Republicans, Republican Party, Susan Demas, Tim Walberg

There's a lot that I want to write about, but I'm having a hard time finding the energy and free time to blog about the 7th District. (Those of you that know me can probably guess why.) But I couldn't pass up this.

I don't like to re-post entire articles-- especially from the subscription-only MIRS-- but hopefully they'll forgive me. A friend sent me this:

A Primary For Walberg?
When now-U.S. Rep. Tim WALBERG (R-Tipton) launched his insurgent campaign to oust Joe SCHWARZ in the 2006 primary, he said he was the true Republican in the race. Now top party officials are privately saying Walberg's real accomplishment may be losing the 7th Congressional District seat, once a GOP stronghold.

Sources close to National Republican Committeeman Chuck YOB and Committeewoman Holly HUGHES tell MIRS the pair are losing hope in Walberg, who raised almost $200,000 less than his chief Democratic challenger, Sen. Mark SCHAUER (D-Battle Creek), last quarter (See related story).

When reached today, Hughes insisted Walberg is "doing a good job."

"He's doing more fundraising than before," Hughes said. "He's making an improvement and I think you'll see over the next few months he'll be light years above where he was."

So far, the free-market Club for Growth (CFG) lobby, which helped raise more than $1 million for Walberg last cycle, hasn't opened its wallet for Walberg, but did endorse the freshman Congressman Jan. 25. Though he faced a poorly funded challenger, Walberg narrowly won the 2006 general election with less than 50 percent of the vote.

Some party officials have buyer's remorse for allowing a primary in 2006, figuring the seat would always stay red. Many conservatives in the leadership privately preferred Walberg, who shared their views against abortion, gay marriage and taxes.

Now they're saying the GOP would have been better off sticking with Schwarz, who won the 2004 general with 58 percent, thanks to his appeal with independents and Democrats.

"I would not disagree with that at all," said former Sen. Philip HOFFMAN, a Republican who represented part of the 7th District for years and supports Walberg. "If Joe won in 2006, it would be a safe seat today and Mark Schauer would be concentrating on being a good Senate Minority Leader."

That's led some Republican Party activists to quietly go hunting for a candidate to knock Walberg off in a primary. Brad SMITH, an Addison attorney who finished second in the 2004 GOP primary (Walberg came in third) won the CFG's blessing and cash in that race.

The son of former U.S. Rep Nick SMITH, who held the seat until 2004, said several people have approached him about running this year. The younger Smith said he was "flattered," but wasn't planning to be a candidate.

"How is it that more experienced politicians say it? I have no intention of running," Smith said.

Smith said he's "heard Democrats have put up a formidable candidate" against Walberg but still thinks Republicans can have a good year.

"I sense the base is starting to wake up more," he said. "The presidential election will rouse us from our sleep."

But Smith acknowledges there are some Republicans who may stay home if the more moderate U.S. Sen. John McCAIN (R-Ariz.) is the nominee, which "could be the margin in congressional races." He's also concerned that the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) might not have enough cash to help its members.

Former Rep. Clark BISBEE said no one's knocked on his door, but he'd answer.

"I would love to be in Washington right now," Bisbee told MIRS. "I'll put it that way."

Bisbee said Walberg's "voting record could be better."

"He's kind of split the party here (in Jackson)," Bisbee said. "I don't know that he's endeared himself to everyone."

He does have concerns Walberg's seat won't hold this fall.

"My contention three years ago was that if I didn't win or Joe didn't win, there could be a big fight," Bisbee said. "And we could lose that fight."

Other names being floated are the two other also-rans in the '04 primary, former Reps. Gene DeROSSETT and Paul DeWEESE.

There's also Rick BAXTER, a former state rep who stepped down last year as Walberg's district director. But Baxter said today he's not given a run any thought and questioned how successful a primary could be against Walberg, who is strong with the conservative core of this southern Michigan district.

Schwarz has mulled another go-around, and has been approached to run as a Republican, independent and Democrat, but said he's focused on putting McCain in the White House.

Still, Hoffman doubts a primary will happen and thinks "at the end of the day, it's still a safe Republican seat."

"Republican powerbrokers can't go to the right of Tim and still be Republican," Hoffman said. "And Tim's shown that if you go to the left of him, he can beat you."

He also notes Yob and Hughes "don't live in the district."

Another Republican Party official also questioned if another Republican could put the organization together to knock off the sitting Congressman, whose voting record is not inconsistent with the beliefs of many of the Republican voters in this still predominately Republican district.

Evidently, Walberg has been burning up the phone lines to Yob and Hughes for months, telling them he can't raise any money.

That's borne out in Federal Elections Committee reports, which show Schauer raised $338,258 during the last quarter to Walberg's $151,741. Even though Schauer jumped into the race in August, he still has $60,000-plus more in the bank than Walberg.

Still, Walberg's campaign isn't worried.

Walberg Spokesman Joe WICKS said the Congressman's focus in 2007 was on improving health care, protecting the Great Lakes and creating jobs in the 7th Congressional District and Michigan, in general.

"Congressman Walberg is doing his job trying to turn the economy around and doing the job the people of his district elected him to do, which is represent them and fight for the issues that are important to them."

As far as the CFG goes, Wicks noted the pro-economic growth organization did endorse Walberg in late January, and there isn't any immediate concern they won't be willing to contribute to the campaign, if need be.

CFG did indicate to MIRS it could still come through for Walberg this year if he's in trouble. (See "Will CFG Be There For Walberg?" 11/18/07).

"With his excellent record, we are confident Rep. Walberg will emerge victorious again," said CFG President Pat TOOMEY in the group's endorsement.

Right now, the group's No. 1 target is taking out U.S. Rep. Wayne GILCHRIST in Maryland (just as Schwarz was in 2006). It's worth noting the Club usually only helps candidates get into office and is busy with the presidential race, running a number of ads against Mike HUCKABEE. CFG had $565,830 cash on hand as of Dec. 31.

One place Walberg may not get as much help is the cash-strapped NRCC, which last week asked the FBI to investigate fraud within its own organization. It's struggling with only $2,628,254 in cash on hand, subtracting its debt. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has about 15 times as much cash, with $33,735,554, minus its debt. And Republicans have 28 open seats to defend, thanks to retirements.

There's a lot to digest there, but first, here's a quick "I told you so" moment for me. I didn't mention it here, but in a comment on the blog Swing State Project, I wrote this about Mark Schauer's fundraising total:

That's pretty impressive, and probably more than Walberg raised. It'll solidify Schauer as the presumptive Democratic nominee, and if Walberg's weak this quarter, I think it might be enough to encourage a Republican primary challenge. That's just a gut feeling on my part.

Well, it was more than Walberg raised (a lot more), and now the primary challenge speculation is beginning.

So, what do you all think? Will we see a "Draft Clark Bisbee" campaign spring up?

Labels: 2008 Speculation, Clark Bisbee, Club for Growth, Gene DeRossett, Moderate Republicans, Paul DeWeese, Republican Party, Rick Baxter, Tim Walberg

Jack Lessenberry is probably my favorite Michigan political journalist. I don't always agree with him, but he's smart, honest, asks good questions, and regularly churns out good analysis. I don't always get the opportunity, but I always try to listen to his segment on Michigan Radio every day.

In today's segment, Lessenberry interviewed former Congressman Joe Schwarz, asking him about running for office again as a Democrat or an independent. The interview, of course, is worth listening to, but so is the essay that came afterward. I haven't decided whether or not I agree with him yet, but it's an interesting perspective.

He says:

Traditionally, it has been seen as improper for journalists to give advice to elected officials. This is, however, a tradition which gets violated all the time, and which I intend to violate again today.

Actually, my conscience is clear on this issue, since to the best of my knowledge, nobody has ever listened to me anyway.

So I would like to say to Congressman Joe Schwarz -- if you are thinking of switching parties and running for your old seat as a Democrat, don't do it. I mean it -- don't. Here's why.

(Emphasis added.)

You should really read the whole thing, but I'll give you excerpts of Lessenberry's reasons:

First of all, you wouldn't be comfortable, by and large, as a Democrat. Yes, you are closer to Democratic positions on some issues, but by no means all. You wouldn't be fully accepted by them.

And you would be reviled by your fellow Republicans. Your enemies in the party would say this is proof they were right all along. That you were nothing but a RINO -- a Republican in Name Only.

And...

Lately the Republican party has gotten more narrow and rigid. If it stays on that course, my guess it is cruising for a fall.

The one time the GOP has ever flirted with extinction was during the Great Depression. Narrow, bitter opposition to change had left the Republicans with only 89 seats in the entire House of Representatives in the year you, Joe Schwarz, were born.

Three years later, a charismatic new presidential candidate named Wendell Willkie helped move the party back to the center. He didn't win, but he may have saved the Republican Party.

Even if it feels like the barbarians pushed you out, it ought to be worth a wrestling match to try to take back the ring.

In short, Joe Schwarz has a chance to "save the soul" of the Republican Party. He can work within the party, and perhaps run again against Walberg in the GOP primary, to talk them back to common sense.

I'm a Democrat and a progressive, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't welcome the day that the Republican Party returns to policies of responsible government and fiscal conservatism.

Labels: 2008 Speculation, Jack Lessenberry, Joe Schwarz, Moderate Republicans, Republican Party, Tim Walberg

Former Adrian mayor and former state Senator Jim Berryman wrote a letter to the editor in the Adrian Daily Telegram today. In it, he expresses his opposition to the recall effort being led by James Carr.

Berryman, of course, is a candidate for the Democratic nomination and hopes to oppose Walberg next November. Here's the letter:

To the editor,

I have been approached many times over the past few weeks and asked how I felt about the recall attempt on Mr. Walberg. I feel very strongly that the recall is misplaced energy. If the gentleman from Jackson who has initiated the recall was sincerely upset with the voting record of Mr. Walberg, then he should direct his energies toward the 2008 election.

I too agree, that Mr. Walberg’s votes do not reflect the majority of the district that he represents. But, it does not rise to the level that deserves the efforts of a recall election. If the citizens of the 7th District do not agree with the representation they are receiving from Mr. Walberg, then they have an opportunity to make a change in the 2008 election.

It doesn’t seem to make a difference which political party you associate yourself with, either way, once they get there (Washington D.C.) they seem to have an agenda of their own, or should I say an agenda that truly does not reflect the people they are supposed to represent.

I am very proud to call myself a Democrat, but it seems to me that both the Democrats and the Republicans have failed to listen to the people back home. It seems, at least to me, that the “far left” and the “extreme right” have an agenda that does not represent the majority of us in the middle. There are many of us feel that we have no party, no direction and no faith that it is going to get any better.

If the gentleman from Jackson believes that Mr. Walberg has failed to adequately represent the people that live in the 7th District, then I would encourage him to file petitions and run against him in the next election, that is what I intend to do.

Jim Berryman

Adrian

A few things I noticed. First, it's no big deal that Berryman has come out against the recall, and I expect the other candidates or potential candidates will probably do the same or remain silent on it. They're not going to endorse a tactic that could be used against them in a few years, and vocally supporting the recall detracts from a candidate's primary message-- that he or she is the best person to represent the district. In other words, for a candidate, it can't be all about Walberg. They have to sell themselves to the public, too.

Of course, Berryman coming out against the recall helps Jim Carr, too. Carr has maintained from the start that his recall effort is a grassroots campaign without the support of any party apparatus. If a host of Democrats came out and endorsed the recall, it would undercut that position. Berryman's opposition reinforces Carr's image as a grassroots crusader.

But the most interesting part of this letter has nothing to do with the recall. Re-read this part:

It doesn’t seem to make a difference which political party you associate yourself with, either way, once they get there (Washington D.C.) they seem to have an agenda of their own, or should I say an agenda that truly does not reflect the people they are supposed to represent.

I am very proud to call myself a Democrat, but it seems to me that both the Democrats and the Republicans have failed to listen to the people back home. It seems, at least to me, that the “far left” and the “extreme right” have an agenda that does not represent the majority of us in the middle. There are many of us feel that we have no party, no direction and no faith that it is going to get any better.

These two paragraphs are filled with so much that I'm not sure where to begin.

For starters, remember that Berryman writes: "I am very proud to call myself a Democrat." That's important. As has been reported elsewhere, the Pew Research Center found that Democrats lead Republicans nationally in partisan self-identification. Fifty percent of respondents consider themselves Democrats, while just 35 percent consider themselves Republicans. I don't know what the numbers are for this district, but the "Democratic brand" is doing well.

However, Berryman doesn't just label himself as a Democrat. He labels himself as a moderate and an outsider. One more time, that last bit:

I am very proud to call myself a Democrat, but it seems to me that both the Democrats and the Republicans have failed to listen to the people back home. It seems, at least to me, that the “far left” and the “extreme right” have an agenda that does not represent the majority of us in the middle. There are many of us feel that we have no party, no direction and no faith that it is going to get any better.

(Emphasis added.)

You know who that sounds like, right? Joe Schwarz:

I am the political equivalent of a woolly mammoth, a rarity heading for extinction. Yes, I'm a moderate.

Our plight today is dire. Even though more than half of all American voters consider themselves centrists, the Republican and Democratic parties are finding themselves controlled to an ever-greater extent by their more extreme elements. On the Republican side, the "religious right," the quasi-theocrats, are infiltrating the party power structure quite effectively. On the left, the moneyed Eastern establishment and California liberals shrilly tell Americans that the sky is falling, that the world hates us and that Republican policies are all wrong. Yet they offer no viable alternatives. As a result, they have managed to alienate much of the traditional working-class Democratic base, good people caught between Republicans they don't like and Democrats who have abandoned them. What's a moderate to do?

Former Republican Congressman Joe Schwarz wrote that last September, a little over a month after losing the Republican nomination to Tim Walberg. Schwarz claimed to represent the voiceless middle, the same claim Berryman implies in his letter.

Will Berryman's appeal to disaffected Schwarz Republicans work? He could certainly pull it off. He's a moderate from a conservative corner of the district, has a friendship with Joe Schwarz, and has a rivalry with Tim Walberg from long before Schwarz was smeared by his Club for Growth friends.

Of course, it's tough to predict an entire campaign strategy from one letter to the editor. But from where I sit, I think it could be a winning message.

Labels: Jim Berryman, Joe Schwarz, Moderate Republicans, Recall, Tim Walberg

I'm not a big fan of Tim Skubick, but last Friday's column in the Lansing State Journal is worth checking out. In it, he ponders the possibility that former Congressman Joe Schwarz may run again... and as a Democrat.

Schwarz may switch parties. As a Democrat, he could theoretically run for his old 7th Congressional District seat, which he unceremoniously lost to GOP right-winger Tim Walberg last summer.

The Battle Creek physician is a moderate dinosaur in the GOP that stopped embracing moderation when former Gov. Bill Milliken left town 30 years ago.

Skubick is absolutely right, there. Tim Walberg and his allies in the Republican Party have shown that moderates are no longer welcome. Democrats, meanwhile, even the "left-wing blogger fringe," have been embracing both progressives and moderates. (If you didn't watch it in January, check out moderate Democratic Senator Jim Webb's response to the State of the Union. This is a good sample of what the Democratic Party stands for.)

Anyway, Skubick continues...

The list of those who want the affable Dr. Schwarz to change include U.S. Sen. Carl Levin and his younger brother, U.S. Rep. Sandy Levin. The wife of veteran U.S. Rep. John Dingell, Debbie, has been pushing Schwarz to flip for more than two years.

But he is not there yet. He confesses there is less than a 50-50 chance he will change. And for some other Democrats, that's fine with them.

Skubick proceeds to mention Jim Berryman, a likely Democratic candidate and friend of Joe Schwarz.

Schwarz says he and Berryman are "close friends" but that does not mean Schwarz will automatically step aside. He'll make his decision on party affiliation in June.

Personally, I don't think he'll switch, and I'm not convinced that he'll run, as a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. But if he did run as any of those, it would be interesting to watch.

Now, I'm off to Chicago for a few days, and won't have much computer access. Congressman Walberg, try not to do anything too newsworthy!

Labels: 2008 Speculation, Democratic Party, Joe Schwarz, Moderate Republicans, Republican Party

It would be wrong to say that the 2006 Republican primary in the 7th District was a battle between two wings of the Republican Party. Like the Democrats and others, the GOP is a lot more complicated than just two wings. You've got the libertarians (Ron Paul), the religious activists (Pat Robertson, James Dobson, etc.), the fiscal conservatives, the "drown the government in the bathtub" folks (Grover Norquist), the foreign policy hawks, and so many more. And then the moderates, who embody some of these groups but never completely, and even the occasional Lincoln Chafee. And most of the time, individual candidates are a mix of multiple groups.

That being said, I think most people would agree that in 2006, Joe Schwarz was the moderate, with support from the Republican Main Street Partnership, and Tim Walberg was the religious activist/"drown the government in the bathtub" candidate, with support from Right to Life and the Club for Growth.

So, imagine my surprise when I see that the Club and RMSP are, perhaps, joining together to fight the new Democratic majority. Could it be true that the two organizations that fought so bitterly last year have decided to make peace? Apparently so, according to The Politico.

Now, before taking it too seriously, check out two posts by Jonathon Singer here and here regarding the publication and this story. Still, there are some interesting things in the article.

The war of words reached its apex in the aftermath of the Michigan primary between Schwarz and Rep. Tim Walberg. Schwarz filed a complaint alleging Walberg used the same pollster as the Club for Growth -- an alleged violation of Federal Election Commission rules because the organization was supposed to be an independent expenditure. The Club for Growth countered by accusing Schwarz of colluding with the RMSP.

With former Rep. Charlie Bass (N.H.) now at RMSP's helm, relations may well be improving. Bass said he is eager to put past primary battles behind him and develop a constructive working relationship.

"Now that Republicans are now in the minority, we both agree it's best to cooperate and coordinate with each other," Bass said.

That's the key argument of the article-- that it's better to fight the Democrats than each other-- sounds like sound political reasoning on their part, but I have trouble believing it'll happen. There's too much separating the Joe Schwarz's and the Tim Walbergs, and too much anger left over from that and other races.

The article continues:

Bass said that the RMSP will not challenge Walberg in the Republican primary, even if Schwarz runs again. The group's policy is never to challenge an incumbent, regardless of the incumbent's ideological position.

In contrast, the Club for Growth has actively targeted Republicans who strayed from a tax-cutting agenda. Its financial firepower makes the group a looming threat -- its PAC spent about $2.7 million to favored candidates in 2006.

(Emphasis added.)

That's important. The Club for Growth has perfected the art of challenging moderates, and I find it hard to believe they'll change their ways next election cycle, not after proving their power here. Any truce between the Club and the moderates is short-lived at best.

More significant, though, is that if Schwarz runs again, the Main Streeters won't help him.

If Schwarz runs, he's got three options. He could run as a Democrat, leaving the party he's been part of for decades and alienating some of the folks that supported him the two previous races. He could run as an independent, still leaving his party and also having no party structure to support him, but without the mess that is the GOP primary. Or, he could run as a Republican challenger to Walberg in the primary. But to do that, he'd go against a different Tim Walberg-- one with all the powers of incumbency plus the Club's backing. With the RMSP staying out, Schwarz would have... himself.

I like Joe Schwarz a lot, even though I disagree with him often. This is a tough position he's in, and makes his choices this year all the more interesting to watch.

As for the Democrats who are looking to run against Walberg, here's what this means: don't count on a moderate-conservative split in 2008. Walberg could go into November with the full support of his party, and all the out-of-state money the Club for Growth can give him. He can certainly be defeated, but it'll take a lot of hard work.

Labels: 2008 Speculation, Club for Growth, Joe Schwarz, Moderate Republicans, Republican Main Street Partnership, Republican Party, Tim Walberg

President Gerald R. Ford has passed away. He was a little before my time, but in my study of history, I found that I liked the man. He was genuinely decent and honest, restoring public confidence following Watergate. He was never the ambitious, arrogant politician. He was just a guy from Grand Rapids, doing a job in Washington. Politically, he was a moderate in the best of ways, while still standing for fiscal responsibility.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
Gerald Ford Memorial
Gerald Ford - Wikipedia

Labels: Gerald Ford, Moderate Republicans