Michigan Primary Ruled UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Today, the Honorable Nancy Edmunds, a federal judge in Michigan, ruled that the statute moving Michigan's primary to January 15, 2008 is unconstitutional. You can read her opinion here. Though the ruling only involved the handing over of voter data to the two major political parties while keeping it secret from the rest of us, the law also contained something called a "non-severability clause." This type of clause is commonly interpreted to mean that if any part of a law is invalidated by a court, the entire law is invalidated. This could mean that neither the Republican or the Democratic primary results are valid. Though I'm not optimistic that our leaders will get us out of the bind, this could conceivably pave the way for a re-do, as it would appear that from a legal standpoint, the election never took place. I'll post more as I learn more. UPDATE: The dispute between whether the "non-severability clause" actually invalidates the entire election has already begun.

Lonely state district, looking to meet someone, anyone from the GOP . . .

I'm one of several lonely Michigan state districts looking to meet pretty much any GOP'er interested in being my leader. You see, hardly any Republicans want to run for state office anymore, so I'm hoping that after you read this, we can hook up. I'm not all that particular, but there are a few requirements: Those previously convicted of a sex crime need not apply, particularly if the conviction involved trolling a public restroom for anonymous sex. Unless, of course, your record has been completely expunged or, better yet, you beat the rap with the help of high-priced lawyers. Multiple divorces are not ideal, but acceptable, especially if your current spouse is much younger than you and very attractive (and can bundle campaign contributions). Must own at least one gun (and know how to shoot it). Concealed carrying permit preferable. NRA membership a plus. No machine gun / bazooka owners, please. Trial lawyers need not apply (ick!), unless you exclusively prosecute criminals, represent insurance companies, investment banks, tobacco companies, and/or polluting utilities. Please understand, however, that a pay cut may be involved if you are made my leader. While I'm on the subject, smokers are fine, particularly if you anticipate campaign contributions in the six figures from tobacco companies. Will consider the right candidate even in the face of drunk driving convictions and irregularities in the handling of money (such as laundering), so long as no actual theft or dishonesty was involved (wink, wink -- nudge, nudge -- don't worry, your secret's safe with me). Must be willing and able to steer clear of the capitol's pages. Wire transfer history must be free and clear. Experience a plus, but not required. I'm not the only lonely district in need of a conservative leader. The following districts, especially Wayne County, are lonely for Republican leaders, too: BAY COUNTY: District 96. GENESEE COUNTY: Districts 34, 49 & 50. INGHAM COUNTY: District 68. MACOMB COUNTY: Districts 28 & 42. OAKLAND COUNTY: Districts 29 & 35. SAGINAW COUNTY: District 95. WASHTENAW COUNTY: Districts 53, 54 & 109. WAYNE COUNTY: Districts 2-12, 14-18, & 22. Click here to view a map of these districts. Filing deadline is May 13, 2008.

A re-do without permitting every Democratic voter to vote?

Why would anybody think it's a good idea to re-do the Democratic primary in Michigan without ensuring that every single Democrat who wants to vote can? Having thought about it for a few days, I must admit that I don't know, either. Perhaps someone could take a moment, then, to explain why Clinton is accusing Obama of "standing in the way of a revote," while in the same breath stating that "every vote must count." Surely she has read the same proposal we all have read, in which thousands of Democrats will be prohibited from voting in any re-do of the Democratic primary. Obama's response, per the Associated Press: "As others in Michigan have pointed out, there are valid concerns about the proposal currently being discussed, including severe restrictions on voter eligibility and the reliance on private funding," said Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor. "We have raised these concerns, as legislators in Michigan did today, and we're waiting to see if these issues can be resolved by the Legislature." With due respect to those responsible for this debacle, the current proposal is neither fair, democratic, nor befitting of being called an "election." If a re-do can't include every Democrat who wants to participate, then the primary shouldn't be re-done.

Racism, Cheating and Blackmail on the Campaign Trail

The Elliott Spitzer debacle was nary a warm-up lap in Clinton's current race to the bottom. First came Ferraro, who you may recall helped snag enough votes to give Mondale one entire state in the 1984 presidential election, and then only his home state by only a slim margin. More recently, she embarrassed herself (and the Democratic party) with the following: "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position," she continued. "And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept." Now I most certainly don't know what it's like to live in America as an African American, nor am I an expert on running national campaigns. That said, I feel comfortable going out on a limb by suggesting that being a black guy may not be all that big of an advantage when running for national political office. Later in the week, instead of simply apologizing, Ferraro went on the offensive, claiming she was being criticized for some reason other than her overt attempt to separate Obama's race from his his substance as a person and as a candidate. The other reason? She was being discriminated against because -- yup, you guessed it -- she's white. Talk about turning an issue upside down . . . The next lap toward the deep end of the pool involved Clinton's own attempt to steal delegates in Michigan. As reported on MSNBC, here's what went down: . . . . Clinton called the Jan. 15 Michigan primary a "fair" election. When asked by interviewer Steve Inskeep how it was fair when Obama's name was not on the ballot, she replied, "Well, that was his choice, Steve." I listened to that interview on NPR in my car as it aired. It really, really turned me off. You can listen to her weasel her way away from that initial statement and into suggesting a re-do by clicking here, if you like. It's worth a listen, if you have a moment. In the interview, Clinton doesn't seem to be even peripherally aware of the rationale behind the DNC's refusal to seat Michigan's delegates. She doesn't seem cognizant of why she, along with the other candidates, pledged not to campaign in Michigan. She doesn't seem the least bit aware that her opponents took their names off the ballot in furtherance of that pledge, not so she could leave hers on and then pretend that she somehow "won" a vote in which her competitors didn't participate. Now, however, with Clinton's name left on the ballot and the possibility of politically gaining from the stunt, she wants the delegates to be seated. Never mind, of course, the fact that many Democrats didn't vote (knowing their votes wouldn't be counted), some voted "Uncommitted" if they supported candidates not on the ballot (like Obama and Edwards), and others crossed over and voted on the Republican ticket. Clinton's attempt to steal delegates by claiming she "won" the primary under these circumstances is, to use a poker analogy, little more than sliding an Ace out her sleeve and into her hand after everybody else already went all in. Finally, a number of Clinton supporters are suggesting that they won't continue contributing to the party if it doesn't either seat the delegates to favor Clinton or get a do-over. Piling on, DailyKos writers who support Clinton have gone on strike. That conduct is immature, undemocratic and unbefitting of members of the Democratic party, much less those associated with a major presidential campaign. It's little more than saying in a whiny voice, "If I don't get my way, I'm not going to remain loyal to my party." Like, for example, what Joe Lieberman did when he lost his primary. To me, this is looking more and more like a party implosion. As Obama has enjoyed the success of winning more states, obtaining the commitment of more delegates, and raising more money, Clinton has been forced to come to terms with the fact that her strategy of concentrating on large states hasn't served her as well as she had hoped. Instead of acknowledging these failings and trying to address them and turn it around, she has pursued a strategy of trying to weaken the frontrunner, and her supporters have chosen a strategy of trying to weaken the party. All this, from the candidate who was considered 'anointed' just a few months ago, and who most of us would have been delighted to have at the top of any ticket just a few short weeks ago. As the scorched earth party continues, McCain is busy trying to look presidential by traveling to Iraq and unifying his party in his favor and against whatever Democrat who can snag the nomination. It's looking an awful lot like it's ours to lose. Let's not this time, eh?

Great ACS event, this Tuesday at WSU

The Michigan Chapter of the American Constitution Society presents: The Impact of the Michigan Supreme Court on the State of Michigan Law (1999-2007) Featuring: Dean Frank Wu Dean and Professor of Law, Wayne State University Law School Gary Maveal Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Jeffrey S. Silver Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Michael D. Elkins Founding Partner, Elkins & Associates, P.L.C. Mark Granzotto Founding Partner, Granzotto & Nicita, P.C. Mary Ellen Gurewitz Shareholder, Sachs Waldman, Professional Corporation Michael K. Lee Lee & Associates Michael L. Pitt Managing Partner, Pitt, McGehee, Palmer, Rivers & Golden Katherine Razdolsky Associate Counsel, Assets International, L.L.C. Douglas B. Shapiro Senior Partner, Muth and Shapiro, P.C. With comments by: Justice Marilyn Kelly Michigan Supreme Court Tuesday, March 18, 2008 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wayne State University Law School Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium 471 W. Palmer Street Detroit, Michigan This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at 4:30 pm and during a break in the program. Free parking is available next to the auditorium on a first-come, first-serve basis. RSVP here. Have you renewed for 2008? Do so today! Not yet a Member? Join ACS and add your voice to ACS's network! The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) is one of the nation's leading progressive legal organizations. Founded in 2001, ACS is a rapidly growing network of lawyers, law students, scholars, judges, policymakers and other concerned individuals. Our mission is to ensure that fundamental principles of human dignity, individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, and access to justice enjoy their rightful, central place in American law. For more information about the organization, which has established student chapters at more than 155 law schools around the country and lawyer chapters in more than 25 cities, please visit www.acslaw.org. American Constitution Society email: info@acslaw.org phone: 202-393-6181 web: http://www.acslaw.org

Announcement: Community Art Forum this Saturday

This Saturday morning, grab the kids, tell some neighbors, and head on over to the gallery and join us at 10:00 A.M. for a community art forum! Share your ideas and vision for cultural opportunities in Ypsi. March 15, 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. at the Gallery of Fine Art and Craft, 130 Michigan Avenue in downtown Ypsilanti. The forum will be facilitated by EMU's Sandra Booth. This event is brought to us by the Washtenaw County Cultural Assessment. Thanks for the heads up from Kent Baumkel.

Ypsilanti High's Mock Trial Team

For the third year in a row, I was honored with an invitation to help Karen Siegel coach Ypsilanti High School's Mock Trial Team. I'm happy to report that these kids just keep getting better and better. For the uninitiated, a high school mock trial entails poring over a standardized, voluminous packet of materials setting forth facts and evidence -- pretty much everything that would be needed in a real trial. The students have to put together opening statements and closing arguments. They must prepare direct examinations of witnesses along with cross examinations. They have to learn to object appropriately and respond to objections from their opponents. They also have to get evidence admitted or provide arguments to keep their opponents' evidence out. All in all, it's quite a sophisticated exercise for high school students, and it takes several months of preparation to compete. I was able to work with our team mainly on Saturday mornings and via email. Mrs. Siegel, their teacher, spent an enormous amount of time with them over the last several months, to ensure they were truly prepared to do battle with their counterparts from all over southeastern Michigan. This year, the competition took place at the Oakland County Courthouse. A number of parents and even Principal John Brown came to watch from the gallery. Each round was judged by a jury of two practicing attorneys and a presiding "judge" who was either an attorney or an actual judge or former judge. Our first round was against Ann Arbor's Huron High. They were well-prepared, articulate and had some novel approaches to things, but we definitely gave them a run for their money. The second group was against Port Huron, and I believe we outperformed them. The final team we opposed was from Clarkston, and they were impressive. They did the entire trial without any notes, they had laminated their exhibits, and one student even had a witness demonstrate the manner in which the crime was committed. Though we did very well against them, they may have edged us by a hair. Though we didn't place, these kids did an outstanding job of putting their trial together and performing with distinction. I'm very proud of these young people, and I hope they ask me back again next year!

Water Street Countdown Widget

Interested in a constant reminder of when our next Water Street payment is due? Check out the fancy-dancy widget in the upper right hand corner! If you want the html, shoot me an email or view my page's source code (the script for the widget is where the profile container normally resides). It's about halfway down the window after you right-click on the widget and select "View Page Source." Unfortunately, I can't vouch for whether it will work on your blog's template or not. I had to make modifications to the code to get it to fit in my sidebar. If you want to make your own, go here. The graphic I created is here. Feel free to use it, or create your own. Keep in mind, though, due to the modifications I made to reduce the width of the widget to only 190 pixels across instead of the standard 256 pixels, the graphic I made is smaller than the standard widget requires. So, if you use my graphic to make a standard size widget, it appear off-center. Which means that if you want to use my graphic, you must either copy the code from my site or you must change the code generated by the widget-creation site to reflect the new size. To do this simply change all the width numbers in the code from 256 to 190. Confused yet? Special thanks to Loose Tea for the great idea!

Do I celebrate, or do I cry?

Or do I do both? It's official. My local city government has assessed my property (pictured above), and issued its annual Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification. According to the notice, the City of Ypsilanti has concluded that the value of my home has gone down substantially (over 15%). It's taxable value declined by about $6K, and it's assessed value declined by over $16K. The bad news? If the "usual selling price" of my home is indeed twice the assessed value (as explained in the handy instructions included with the notice), then I lost $32,000 in equity last year. That's well over $2,500 a month if averaged out over the year. It also means I'm probably officially upside down on my mortgage now. Boy, I sure hope my bank doesn't re-appraise the darn thing. They probably could call in the loan . . . . if someone at the bank wants to live in it, anyway. The good news? My property taxes are going down by about $350. Whoop-dee-doo. That'll feed four kids for what? Two, three weeks? How about you? Did you get a notice? If so, how much did you lose last year while sitting in the comfort of your own living room?