St. Ignace was her last stop during her week long UP tour. She was touring Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula, from one end to the other. While touring this sometimes, politically, forgotten part of the state she talked about the goings on with our local Secretary of State branches. In Michigan the Secretary of State is a lot like other states DMVs.
I was unable to take notes, since this was more of a luncheon than a speech. In local Republican politics, at least my county, we don't have as much involvement as I think there should be. The local Dems have a lot more going on. I think things are changing, for the better. We all just sat at a table. There was about 10 people in attendance. This includes Mrs. Land's husband and daughter, plus her assistant. Donald Gustafson, the County Chairman, said he sent out at least 20 invites. OK, Republicans of Mac County, where were ya?!
Most of ya know how it is when there is a small group sitting and talking at a table. A few conversations are going on at the same time. So I figured I would be able to hear better what was going if I didn't have my nose in a notebook. Although the bad thing about that is I can't look back to my notes to help me remember everything.
To summarize what Mrs Land talked about. Every county has at least one branch. Obviously the bigger counties with bigger cities have more than one. She has been working to consolidate some branches. She said there are some branches that are only 10 to 15 miles apart. She feels it is a waste of money to have these branches working separately. Some down in the Grand Rapids and Detroit areas are already being consolidated.
On the issue of whether there should be a closed caucus or an open primary, she believes there should be an open primary, in regards to the presidential race. She has not endorsed anyone for president. She said she wanted to see more of what's going on with all the candidates. Plus she didn't want to look biased when it comes down to what the joint decision of Rep and Dem is.
I did wear my Mike Huckabee button there. I also carried my pics and camera in my "I Like Mike" bag. I wanted to show the pics to the people I know who were there. When I came in Mrs. Land noticed my button and said, "oh, wow, you support Mike Huckabee." I want to say, and I repeat this was NOT an endorsement. She was just offering an encouraging word. I told everyone that I went to Iowa. Obviously, I didn't tell them the whole story. Y'all know how long winded I am ;). This was her time. I did tell them that I did have fun. Everyone mentioned that it was cool that Mike Huckabee had a great showing in the Straw Poll. I think I was the only one there who has definitely thrown support behind anyone. When I showed my pics she even wanted to look. As I was paying my bill I talked a little with her assistant. He said that she really wanted to go out to attend the Straw Poll, but her schedule was busy that weekend.
She talked about picture id for voting. There are about 300,000 people in Michigan who don't have any form of id. She would like to see something where Michiganders who are eligible to vote could have an id to be able to vote. It would cost the state only about $0.25 for each id. I don't think that's bad. Something like that is not wasteful spending. It would be good for those in the state to be able to take part in the voting process.
She also talked about an enhanced drivers license for Michiganders who may want to go to Canada, or Mexico for that matter, but don't want to jet set to Europe or Asia. It would be cheaper than a passport. I haven't been to Canada in probably at least 10 years. I know after 9/11 those crossing into Canada have to have birth certificate. Now it's gotten stricter. Ya need a passport to fly into Canada. I think the passport for driving over there is in effect now, or will be.
One thing I am happy about is that she does not like the Driver Responsibility Fee. It was not her idea. She has been against it since the beginning. She says that it doesn't help anyone. Because if they couldn't pay the first ticket they can't pay for the extra fee tacked on from the state. It is nothing but a vicious cycle (my thought). My little lead foot is a victim of that. She says most judges don't like it. It is a waste of the courts time (my thought).
Terry Lynn Land will be throwing a party during the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference. I am not saying which day that will be or what place, or everyone will show up who may not be Republicans. I STILL want Mike Huckabee and Capitol Offense to be there, on the island. Also, I want them to take time to visit this side of the bridge. Ron Paul is going to be there for freakin Pete's sake. So will Sam Brownback and Duncan Hunter. Lord knows Mitty will be there schmoozing and buying booze for fancy parties. Mike doesn't have to buy me anything to support him at the conf. I Like Mike for who he is.
If you are from Michigan, or are just curious about Michigan politics, and have any questions ask away. Sometimes I just need my little mind jogged, to remember. A great place to find political news in Michigan for all you conservatives out there check out RightMichigan.com.
God bless from the gorgeous and beautiful Upper Peninsula in Michigan!
First picture; Terry Lynn Land, daughter, husband. Second pic; Me with Land family
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