GOP Senate candidacy kicks off in Grand Rapids
Hmmm. Highest unemployment in the nation. More jobs lost everyday. Stores and factories closing. Cuts to schools and cities and parks. Skyrocketing health care costs.
So what does the GOP here in Michigan want to focus on? Oh yeah, gotta get THE GAYS! Gotta get those liberal JUDGES!
GRAND RAPIDS -- It wasn't an endorsement, but it made for a nice photo op for Keith Butler, the Southfield Republican pastor who announced Tuesday he was challenging U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
At Grand Valley State University's Eberhard Center, Butler was flanked by some of West Michigan's top Republicans, including former Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus, the Lowell farmer and before that was longtime state Senate majority leader.
Butler is the founder of the 21,000-member nondenominational Word of Faith International Christian Center Church in Southfield, and he expressed views that easily could be embraced by West Michigan conservatives.
On Tuesday, the man who once was a rare Republican on the Detroit City Council attacked the "liberal judiciary" he claims is whittling away people's rights to express themselves religiously.
He heaped scorn on the Massachusetts judiciary for allowing gay marriages.
"We've seen marriage be radically altered by a few unelected men and women of the Massachusetts judiciary," Butler said. "How is it that the will of God and men and women could be so easily dismissed by a handful of liberal thinkers?"
Butler's message was "on target," said Scott Greenlee, co-chairman of the Kent County Republican Party, who also refrained from an endorsement.
Two others have made known their intention to run, including Jane Abraham, the wife of former U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham, who lost to Stabenow in 2000, and Troy industrial engineer Bart Baron.
The early jockeying has been more notable for candidates who have backed out of potential campaigns, including Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard and U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Lansing. After indicating she was considering a run, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, of Byron Township, likely will run for re-election instead, said Chuck Yob, the GOP National Committeeman. Detroit real estate developer Peter Cummings also decided against a run.
Yob, who also flanked Butler, said he's encouraging Butler, though he hasn't settled on a candidate yet.
"He'd play out nice here once people get to know him," Yob said. " Most people who voted for George W. Bush liked his references to his religious values. They want "In God We Trust."
No, they don't Chuck. They want jobs. The want affordable health care. They want good schools.
Jesus-H-Christ-on-a-stick. What in the HELL is wrong with you people? Can't you see that there are REAL issues affecting this state?