Michigan’s GOP House Speaker Expresses Support For Election Rigging

By Ian Millhiser/Think Progress

Late last week, democracy scored two important victories over a Republican plan to rig future presidential elections by changing the way electoral votes are counted in several key blue states. Two Virginia Republican state senators spoke out against the plan, effectively killing it. And Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford (R) attacked the election-rigging scheme as trying to “change the rules of the game.”

In Michigan, however, which is the bluest of the six blue states where the election-rigging plan has been discussed, state House Speaker Jase Bolger (R) appears quite open to rigging his state’s electoral college votes to benefit Republicans:

Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger (R) said on Friday that he’s open to pursuing the strategy in his state. According to Gongwer (subscription required), Bolger believes a bill by state Rep. Pete Lund (R) — which has yet to be introduced — is worthy of strong consideration.

“I hear that more and more from our citizens in various parts of the state of Michigan that they don’t feel like their vote for president counts because another area of the state may dominate that or could sway their vote,” Bolger told Gongwer. “They feel closer to voting for their congressman or their congresswoman and if that vote coincided with their vote for president they would feel better about that.”

In other words, Republican voters in Michigan are upset that Democrats win elections simply because there are more of them. And Bolger wants to fix that by giving the few Republicans more votes than the majority.

Michigan House Republicans Endorse Corrupt Jase Bolger for Second Term as Speaker

From Michigan Democratic Party:

LANSING – Michigan House Republicans made a strong statement today in support of corruption as they voted unanimously to support Jase Bolger for a second term as Speaker of the House.

“Michigan House Republicans had the chance to reject Jase Bolger, and each one of them chose instead to stand with him in favor of corruption,” said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer. “Who did they elect as Bolger’s second in command, Spiro Agnew? Apparently ethics and integrity will not be priorities for the Republican Caucus in 2013-14.”

A one-person grand jury is currently investigating Bolger, Roy Schmidt and others for recruiting fake candidate Matt Mojzak to run against Schmidt, helping Mojzak to file a fraudulent candidate affidavit and then covering up their involvement in the scheme.

Corrupt Speaker Jase Bolger Endorses Michigan Supreme Court Candidate Colleen O’Brien

From The Michigan Democratic Party:

O’Brien Hid Endorsement After Winning GOP Nomination

LANSING – Now that she has won the Republican nomination, former insurance industry attorney Colleen O’Brien is trying to hide her endorsement from House Speaker Jase Bolger, who is spending time in front of another judge — Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, the one-woman grand jury investigating Bolgergate.

“It appears that Colleen O’Brien is trying to Etch-a-Sketch away her profile, including the endorsement of House Speaker Jase Bolger, who is currently under grand jury investigation for attempting to rig an election and then covering up his involvement,” said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer. “What is she trying to hide? Does she support the corrupt Speaker or will she renounce his endorsement? The voters are entitled to know.”

As recently as Sept. 12, O’Brien’s campaign website included an extensive list of endorsements that included Bolger. The current version of O’Brien’s website contains no list of endorsements. However, you can view a cached version of O’Brien’s endorsement page here:

http://www.michigandems.com/obrienendorsements.pdf

Each day this week the Michigan Democratic Party will highlight another instance of corruption from Justices Stephen Markman and Brian Zahra, as well as from fellow GOP candidate O’Brien. Yesterday the MDP filed a complaint against Markman for unethical campaign conduct in speaking to an Oakland County Republican Party’s 400 Club breakfast fundraiser, an event that highlighted Markman’s attendance on the invitation.

New MDP Video Highlights Editorials Supportive of Bolgergate Grand Jury Investigation

From Michigan Democratic Party:

LANSING – The Michigan Democratic Party today released a new video that highlights recent newspaper editorials that have applauded the one-person grand jury investigation into House Speaker Jase Bolger, Rep. Roy Schmidt and others for recruiting fake candidate Matt Mojzak to run against Schmidt, helping Mojzak to file a fraudulent candidate affidavit and then covering up their involvement in the scheme.

“The Bolgergate issue is not just an issue for voters in Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties,” said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer. “This is an issue that’s important for voters all across Michigan, and these editorials, as well as the slew of editorials that have called for Speaker Jase Bolger to step down from leadership, show just that. This grand jury investigation is crucial to restoring the trust of the people of Michigan in their leaders in Lansing.”

The video highlights recent editorials in the following newspapers:

• Grand Rapids Press/Kalamazoo Gazette, Schmidt-Bolger deserve grand jury investigation;
• Lansing State Journal, Grand jury right step in election case;
• Livingston County Daily Press and Argus, Republicans wrong to cry foul about Michigan House campaign investigation;
• Toledo Blade, Bringing it on themselves.

The video is available online here:

http://youtu.be/8WY8IJ_284o

Voters can view all of the editorials on the scandal, as well as publicly available documents and news coverage, at Bolgergate.com.

Will the Bolgergate Grand Jury Call Attorney General Bill Schuette?

From Michigan Democratic Party:

What Did Romney’s Michigan Campaign Chairman Discuss with Rep. Roy Schmidt? Did Schuette Obstruct Justice?

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette should be called in the Bolgergate grand jury investigation because of a text message he sent to state Rep. Roy Schmidt the morning after the filing deadline.

Schuette, Mitt Romney’s Michigan Campaign Chairman, rejected calls to reopen the investigation, despite the fact that a Michigan State Police detective believed there was probable cause to look into whether Schmidt and Bolger had committed crimes in recruiting fake candidate Matt Mojzak to run against Schmidt, helping Mojzak to file a fraudulent candidate affidavit and then covering up their involvement in the scheme.

“In the Bolgergate case, it looks like Attorney General Bill Schuette neglected his duty and may have obstructed justice,” Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer said. “What did Schmidt and Schuette discuss after Schuette’s text message? When Schuette and Schmidt spoke on May 16, there already was widespread news coverage about the fake Democrat. Did they discuss it? Did they discuss the calls for an investigation? People deserve to know.

“This highly inappropriate communication should be investigated fully. At a minimum, this communication casts a cloud over Schuette’s decision not to continue the Bolgergate investigation when the local prosecutor brought it to a close prematurely. It is unprecedented to have a Michigan Attorney General communicating privately with one of the targets of a criminal investigation.”

Schuette sent the following text message to Schmidt on the morning of May 16:

“Roy. Bill Schuette here. Call when you can (phone number redacted). Thanks.”

Text messages obtained by the Michigan State Police reveal that in the days leading up to the deadline for Mojzak to withdraw his fraudulent candidacy, Schmidt and his son, Ryan, repeatedly assured a nervous Mojzak that there was no investigation. Did Schmidt know that because Schuette told him?

When asked if Schuette would reopen the investigation, a Schuette spokesperson told theDetroit Free Press,”It’s not our practice to second-guess prosecutors once they have concluded an investigation.”

Voters can view all of the publicly available documents and media reports on the scandal atBolgergate.com.

Will the Bolgergate Grand Jury Call Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons?

From The Michigan Democratic

Did Lyons Help to Obstruct Justice?

LANSING – While it seems certain that House Speaker Jase Bolger, Rep. Roy Schmidt, Schmidt’s son, Ryan, and fake Democratic candidate Matt Mojzak will appear before the Ingham County one-person grand jury, a number of other players may be compelled to testify, as well.

Today the Michigan Democratic Party begins a series on possible Bolgergate grand jury targets — who they are and how they could be involved in possible crimes.

State Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons would seem to be at the top of the list, based on media reports and text messages revealed through Freedom of Information Act requests. She may have conspired with others to obstruct justice.

“Lisa Posthumus Lyons has admitted publicly she acted as a messenger between Bolger and Schmidt,” Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer said. “Text messages reveal that Lyons instructed Schmidt to ‘make sure’ Mojzak, the fake candidate, did not ‘talk to the dems or the media.’ Clearly Lyons was involved in the cover-up from the very beginning.”

Lyons sent the following text messages to Schmidt on the evening of May 15:

19:42 “Not sure if your phone is on. I’m worried about you, Donna and Junior. I think you should cash in with some of your GRPD friends and have an off duty officer just hang out at your house tonight. If you want my Brad will call in sick and do it. I want you guys to be safe.”

21:26 “Do NOT read the press, watch the news or troll facebook. Don’t do that to yourself. listen to a cd with donna or read a book. Want me to pick you up in the morning or Brad could pick you up when he gets out of work or you could meet me at the park n ride at exit 52? Let me know. But I’m serious about calling any off duty police you may be friends with to hang out by your place.”

21:39 “The Speaker is asking that you not attend Committees for a couple days. He wants you to lay low practically sequestered. We don’t have insurance. You’d have to miss transportation tomorrow, which isn’t a big deal.”

22:11 “Oh, and Brad is going to have a GRPD car patrol by your house a few times tonight.”

22:34 “If you’re sure we’ll plan on that. I would blow my 9:15 off but it’s Education and I have to chair. Let’s plan on Thursday. Also on your way in bring cds NO MAINSTREAM MEDIA. I also need to tell you that you to make sure Matthew your dem opponent does not talk to the dems or the media or withdrawal. Jase will explain tomorrow.”

When confronted about her involvement, Lyons told the Grand Rapids Press, “The Speaker asked me to deliver a message. We were not told [Mojzak] was a plant. We were told that Roy had a Democrat file in that race.”

Voters can view all of the publicly available documents and media reports on the scandal atBolgergate.com.

Wages of Sin: Bolger Re-election in Doubt

From Michigan Democratic Party:

MIRS Poll Shows House Speaker in Statistical Dead Heat in Supposedly Safe District

LANSING – The Michigan Democratic Party today released the following statement on reports that a poll by MIRS/Practical Political Consulting found House Speaker Jase Bolger is in trouble with voters of the 63rd House District.

“His attempt to rig an election has dimmed prospects for Jase Bolger’s own re-election,” Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer said. “According to a recent poll of likely voters in the 63rd House District, Bolger’s lead is now within the margin of error in what the pollster calls an ‘almost safely Republican’ district.”

Despite the district having a 57 percent GOP base, MIRS decided to test the Speaker’s numbers since a grand jury began looking into possible criminal conduct by Bolger.

Along with Rep. Roy Schmidt, Bolger is currently being investigated by a one-person grand jury in Ingham County for a scheme to recruit a fake candidate, who committed perjury, to run against Schmidt and then cover up their involvement.

“The stench of Jase Bolger’s disdain for democracy has wafted over from Grand Rapids and settled over his home district,” said Brewer. “Independent-minded voters aren’t buying Bolger’s lame attempts to rationalize his unethical conduct, and they are turning away from him in droves. No matter what comes out of the grand jury, Bolger is now in a fight for his political future.”

MDP Launches Bolgergate.com Website to Keep Michigan Voters Informed

From The Michigan Democratic Party:

LANSING – The Michigan Democratic Party today launched a new website,Bolgergate.com, to keep Michigan voters informed about Speaker Jase Bolger and Rep. Roy Schmidt’s scheme to rig a House election and the subsequent cover-up, which is now being investigated by a one-person grand jury in Ingham County.

“With new developments emerging every week or so in Bolgergate, we believed it was important to keep the public up to date on the investigation into Speaker Bolger and Roy Schmidt’s schemes,” Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer said. “With Bolgergate.com, we are empowering citizens to get involved and demand action from their representatives in Lansing. Speaker Bolger now has the cloud of a grand jury investigation hanging over his head, and his continuing to cling to power is an embarrassment to the institution. The time for half-hearted apologies is over; the time for him to step down from leadership is now.”

The website includes videos, news stories, editorials from across the state, responses to the scandal from other elected officials, reports and documents on the investigation, as well as citizen action items including a petition and a link to contact legislators.

“This is not just an issue for voters in Kent, Kalamazoo or Calhoun counties,” said Brewer. “This is an issue for all Michigan voters because Bolger is the leader of the House Republican Caucus, fifth in line to become Governor. He sets the legislative agenda, but he also sets the tone. Throughout this process, he has shown contempt for the voters, by first attempting to rig an election, then lying to the public about his involvement and finally trying to blame others for his unethical conduct. When voters head to the polls this November, they should know the whole truth about Jase Bolger, and that’s our goal with Bolgergate.com.”

MLive Poll: More Than 95 Percent of Readers Reject Bolger’s “Evasive” Excuse, Think He Lied

From The Michigan Democratic Party

LANSING — Respondents to an MLive online poll yesterday voted overwhelmingly — 96 percent to 4 percent — that House Speaker Jase Bolger “did not provide a truthful response” when questioned about his involvement in an election fraud scheme with Rep. Roy Schmidt.

“Even though Bolger has embarked on a pseudo-apology media tour designed to repair his tarnished image, the people of Michigan just aren’t buying it,” Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer said. “When he told reporters he didn’t know anything about the scheme other than what he was reading, he failed to mention that what he was reading was his own cell phone, which he used to mastermind the entire plot. He knew what he was doing was wrong, and he lied to cover it up. Until he steps down from leadership, he will have no credibility with Michigan voters.”

View the online poll here:

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/07/online_poll_more_than_95_perce.html

MDP Canvasses Bolger’s District, Calls on Constituents to Demand Resignation

From Michigan Democratic Party

Voters in House District 63 Fed Up with Bolger’s Shenanigans

LANSING – Volunteers from the Michigan Democratic Party canvassed voters today in House District 63, represented by Speaker Jase Bolger, whose attempts to rig a House election in Grand Rapids have drawn condemnations across the state from newspaper editorial boards, political pundits and ordinary citizens.

“Today we met with voters in Marshall to learn their reactions to this embarrassing scandal,” MDP Chair Mark Brewer said. “It’s apparent that after showing such blatant disregard for the voters of Grand Rapids, Jase Bolger is now losing the trust of his own constituents back in the district. He should step down from House leadership as soon as possible, so he can focus on rebuilding his broken relationship with the people of Calhoun County.”

The Michigan Democratic Party first canvassed in Bolger’s district back in June, when details of Bolger’s election fraud had yet to be made public. With the release of Kent County Prosecuting Attorney William Forsyth’s report last week, the MDP returned to Bolger’s hometown of Marshall to learn how his constituents were responding to the news.

The MDP provided an informational flyer that included details on the scandal, a recent Detroit Free Press editorial calling Bolger’s actions “unconscionable,” a quote from Forsyth calling the election fraud scheme “a travesty,” and a quote from Bolger, who told the Kalamazoo Gazette, “I did not lie…. I was evasive.”

A Government Paralyzed By Corruption

From Michigan Senate Democratic

Legislators returned to Lansing today with a full agenda on their plate and a number of bills the Republican majority and Governor Snyder said were urgent to get passed.

Their aggressive agenda quickly fell apart, however, and what we saw instead is a Government paralyzed by corruption and fraud.  The actions of Speaker of the House Jase Bolger to undermine the Democratic process and take the right of legitimate elected representation away from the people of Michigan have brought state government to a standstill by breaking the very trust the public has in the democratic process.

The report released yesterday by the Kent County Prosecutor makes it alarmingly clear that Speaker Bolger knowingly tried to defraud the public, lied about it and continues to deny responsibility for the damage it has caused.  It has become all too apparent that the agenda he has pursued as Speaker of the House over the past 18 months has been focused squarely on a partisan election strategy without regard for the impact it has on the people of Michigan.

As a result of Speaker Bolger’s lack of honesty or integrity, the true intent of the bills before the legislature today could no longer be trusted.  Whether right or wrong, his conduct has made it impossible for anyone to believe the motivation behind them was anything other than political gamesmanship.

To put it simply, a leadership change is needed to restore the faith the people of Michigan must have in their Government and it’s up to the Republicans to make that happen from within.  They can stand up to their own failed leadership and send a message that fraud and election rigging have no place in Michigan’s capitol.  They have the ability to affirm to the public that there is simply too much at stake for our state, our families and our future for Speaker Bolger’s selfish actions to stand in the way of what truly needs to be done to get our state back on track.

Should Michigan speak up, and Speaker Bolger step down or be removed as the Speaker of the House, then, and only then, can the people of Michigan begin to trust that their legislature is truly working in their best interests once again.

You can add your name to the growing list of voices calling on Speaker Bolger to resign his leadership position by signing the petition here: http://goo.gl/MYa2d

MDP Chair Mark Brewer Issues Statement on Kent County Prosecutor’s Report on Roy Schmidt Election Scandal

From the Michigan Democratic Party:

Prosecutor Finds Speaker Bolger and Rep. Schmidt Schemed to “Perpetrate a Fraud on the Electorate”

LANSING – Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer issued the following statement on the findings of Kent County Prosecuting Attorney William Forsyth from his investigation into the Roy Schmidt scandal:

”It’s clear from today’s report by Prosecuting Attorney Forsyth that Speaker Bolger has been lying to the public and to the press since this scandal began. Based on the text messages and phone calls that Forsyth uncovered, Bolger and his top staff, including Chief of Staff Suzanne Miller Allen, Deputy Chief of Staff Phil Browne, spokesperson Ari Adler and their legal counsel were all involved in this scheme right from the beginning, despite their contemptuous protests to the contrary.

“Forsyth’s condemnation of Bolger and Schmidt — saying he was ‘embarrassed and offended’ as a fellow Republican — shows just how despicable their actions were. Given the fact that the people of Michigan can no longer rely on anything that comes out of his mouth, Speaker Bolger should step down immediately from leadership in the House.

“Even as Forsyth has wrapped up his investigation, we will continue to press this issue forward. There are possible campaign finance violations, civil liability and violations of House rules involved, and we expect those allegations to be investigated fully.”

The complete Forsyth report is available here:http://michigandems.com/forsythdecision.pdf.

MDP Releases New Video: End Bolger’s Reign

From The Michigan Democratic Party:

Video Shows How Bolger’s Reign Has Been Shrouded in Controversy and Scandal

LANSING – The Michigan Democratic Party today released a new video exposing GOP House Speaker Jase Bolger’s inability to lead. The video shows how the Speaker’s office has been in the middle of controversy and scandal throughout Bolger’s tenure.

“Speaker Bolger has attacked children, seniors, middle class families, the working poor, women, the list goes on and on,” MDP Chair Mark Brewer said. “Michigan has become a national punchline thanks to Bolger’s failed leadership. His office has been entrenched in scandal and controversy from day one.”

“There have been drastic cuts to public education, tax increases on those who can least afford it, an election fraud scandal, and most recently, vagina-gate,” added Brewer. “It’s time to end the Speaker’s autocratic reign. We must turn the House blue this November.”

Watch the video by visiting the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6jh5K2L1Mg&feature=youtu.be

MDP Canvasses Bolger’s District Door-to-Door on Election Fraud

From Michigan Democratic Party

Flier Asks What Bolger’s Role Was in the HD 76 Election Fraud Scandal

LANSING – The Michigan Democratic Party took to the streets of Marshall today to canvass door-to-door in GOP House Speaker Jase Bolger’s District. The flier urges his constituents to call Bolger about the election fraud scandal in House District 76 and whether he is part of a cover up.

Last month, State Representative Roy Schmidt switched parties to become a Republican just minutes before the filing deadline at the urging and with the help of Bolger. A fake Democrat filed at the same time as Schmidt filed as a Republican and the same unknown person submitted both candidate affidavits with the Kent County Clerk. The fake Democrat, a close friend of the Schmidt family, has since withdrawn his candidacy, but not after he committed perjury on his candidate affidavit. A State Police investigation is underway.

“It’s clear election fraud took place in House District 76. What’s not been disclosed by Bolger is his role in it,” MDP Chair Mark Brewer said. “The flier we distributed today asks the questions that need to be answered. Did Bolger help recruit the fake Democrat? Was he aware of the candidate’s perjury? Did Bolger help the fake Democrat file his paperwork? It’s time for answers.”

“The voters in Bolger’s district deserve to know if he committed any crimes or if he’s part of a cover-up,” added Brewer. “We will not let up until the Speaker comes clean and tells the public what he knows. I canvassed Bolger’s neighborhood personally and met a lot of good people who are very concerned about these issues. By the way, Mr. Speaker, it looks like your hometown could use some road funding.”

MDP Files Complaint Against Speaker Bolger, Rep. Schmidt, and Bolger COS Miller Allen for Violating State Law

From Michigan Democratic Party

Complaint Alleges State Employees Engaged in Illegal Election Activity and Used State Resources for Election Work

LANSING – Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer today filed an MCFA Section 57 complaint with the Michigan Department of State alleging House Speaker Jase Bolger, Rep. Roy Schmidt, and Bolger Chief of Staff Suzanne Miller Allen violated state law. The complaint alleges the Speaker’s office used state resources and state employees to engage in illegal campaign activity.

Bolger’s staffer, Michelle McQuiston, notarized Schmidt’s GOP affidavit as well as his Democratic candidate withdrawal form. The complaint also alleges that Bolger, Miller Allen, and Schmidt used state phones, offices, and emails to plan and execute Schmidt’s withdrawal as a Democrat and re-filing as a Republican.

“Not only did these three apparently conspire to commit election fraud, but they also did it on state time using state resources,” Brewer said. “Republicans are using taxpayer dollars to help execute election strategy and campaign activity. The Department of State needs to investigate this matter by combing through emails and phone records to see what illegal conduct may have taken place.”

“Republicans seem to think they’re above the law and don’t have to play by the same rules as everyone else,” added Brewer. “This deception must be exposed immediately. We expect the Department of State to thoroughly investigate this complaint.”

What was Bolger Chief of Staff Suzanne Miller Allen’s Role in Election Fraud Scheme?

From Michigan Democratic Party:

Speaker’s COS Was Involved in a Similar Scam 10 Years Ago While Working as COS for GOP Senate Leader Ken Sikkema

LANSING – It’s all starting to unravel now for Republicans as information continues to come out about an illegal election fraud scam to put a fake Democratic candidate on the ballot in House District 76.

“We’ve known that Speaker Jase Bolger and Representative Roy Schmidt had been secretly meeting for weeks, if not months, about the scam,” Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer said. “But now we’re learning that Bolger’s Chief of Staff Suzanne Miller Allen may have helped to mastermind the entire plot.”

Miller Allen was also Ken Sikkema’s Chief of Staff in 2002 when the then GOP Senate Leader was involved in a similar stunt to place fake Democrats on the ballot.  Miller Allen’s role as caucus Chief of Staff in both instances raises even more questions.

“Was this a plot 10 years in the making?” Brewer asked. “What was Miller Allen’s involvement this time? Did she help plan it? Was she the mastermind? The evidence continues to pile up that this illegal scheme had been in the works for some time. Republicans like Jase Bolger, Suzanne Miller Allen, Roy Schmidt, Pete Lund and others, need to come forward and tell the voters what they know. This illegal deception will come out at some point. They all owe it to the voters to come clean now.”

House GOP: Lies, Deceit, and Election Fraud

From Michigan Democratic Party

MDP Calls for Immediate Investigation into Voter Fraud by Speaker Bolger, Rep. Lund, and Rep. Schmidt

LANSING – Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer is calling for an immediate investigation into election fraud perpetrated by House Speaker Jase Bolger, Representative Pete Lund, and Representative Roy Schmidt. Yesterday, Schmidt changed his party affiliation to Republican and helped place his nephew’s friend, Matthew Mojzak, on the ballot as a fake Democrat. The only problem is, Mojzak doesn’t live in the district – a requirement to run for the seat.

Mojzak was registered to vote in Ottawa County and did not change his registration until late on Tuesday, according to MIRS Newsletter. In his attached candidate affidavit, Mr. Mojzak stated under penalty of perjury that he has been a resident of Kent County for 22 years – an obvious lie. He’s using his grandmother’s address in the 76th district in an attempt to qualify as a candidate there.

“It’s clear this was a plot weeks in the making,” Brewer said. “But Republicans made one critical mistake – Mr. Mojzak lied on his candidate affidavit because he has not been living in Kent County – that’s election fraud.”

“Republicans like Bolger, Lund, and Schmidt set out to deceive voters from the beginning in order to ensure Schmidt would be reelected and help them protect their majority in the State House,” added Brewer. “We call for an immediate investigation into this matter by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, Attorney General Bill Schuette, and the Kent County Prosecutor’s office.”

“Republicans demanded that the so-called fake Tea Party in Oakland County be prosecuted and there should be an investigation about the fake Democrat put on the ballot in this case,” said Brewer. “Bolger, Lund, and Schmidt should come clean as to what they know about this conspiracy to put a fake Democrat on the ballot. The public will not tolerate a cover-up.”

“This is just another example of Republican hypocrisy,” Brewer continued. “They claim to be the party of transparency and values, yet they pull these sneaky, illegal tactics in order to hold onto their power in Lansing. Rather than face voters in November, they concocted this deceitful, fraudulent plan. Bolger, Lund, Schmidt, and Mojzak should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

House Speaker Bolger endorses man who wanted no part of saving our domestic auto companies

Eclectablog/Blogging for Michigan/Eclectablog:

Isn’t this spayshul? Republican Speaker of the Michigan House Jase Bolger is endorsing Mitt Romney to be the GOP presidential candidate. Remember Mitt and his last salvo in Michigan? He is the one who said THIS:

If General Motors, Ford and Chrysler get the bailout that their chief executives asked for yesterday, you can kiss the American automotive industry goodbye. It won’t go overnight, but its demise will be virtually guaranteed.

Without that bailout, Detroit will need to drastically restructure itself. With it, the automakers will stay the course — the suicidal course of declining market shares, insurmountable labor and retiree burdens, technology atrophy, product inferiority and never-ending job losses. Detroit needs a turnaround, not a check.

Just as a quick reminder to all of you keeping score at home: the “check” we cut for the auto manufacturers kept them from disappearing and they have been roaring back ever since, paying back nearly all the money loaned to them early.

Way to pull for the home team, there, Jase. You have some strange ideas about what and who is good for Michigan, that’s for sure.