I just got home from canvassing the election. What is that? After the votes are counted at each precinct the results get sent to the county clerk. The day after the election the county canvassers show up at the courthouse to make sure all the "i-s are dotted and t-s are crossed" and count the different numbers on different paperwork to make sure everything matches up. If all goes well the county clerk sends the info to the state. Yes, you do need to have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) to find this to be fun. I am working on getting the individual results, for Mac County, posted here. For right now I thought I would quickly post the more important info.
John McCain (541 votes) beat Mitt Romney (466 votes) by 75 votes. John McCain beat Hillary Clinton (354 votes) by 187 votes. Mitt Romney beat her by 112 votes. Hillary Clinton beat Mike Huckabee (266 votes) by 88 votes.
Something I found rather interesting and surprising, on Mackinac Island, is John McCain (38 votes) beat out Mitt Romney (20 votes) by 18 votes. Hillary Clinton received more votes, 29, on Mackinac Island than Mitt Romney. The Hillary part is very surprising. Mackinac Island has been known to have mostly rich Republicans residing there. Except the year long residents are more poor than the Seasonal residents. But there are still quite a few of rich year long residents.
Oh by the way, I was made chairman of the Mackinac County Canvassers. It isn't that big of a deal. There is only four canvassers, two Republicans and two Democrats, in the canvassers. The officers get elected every two years. In our county it gets rotated by person and party. I guess it was my turn. We all get payed for our time, officer or not. So I get some extra money.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
John McCain beats Mitt Romney, Both Beat Hillary Clinton; in Mackinac County
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
4:23 PM
0
comments
Labels: Mackinac County, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Michigan Primaries
Monday, September 24, 2007
Newt is Awesome!
Two things, Newt Gingrich has a guest post on Mike Huckabee's Vertical Day and over at RightMichigan.com is the posting and video of his Mackinac Island Speech. First I will give a part of his guest post.
How You Can Help Achieve “Real Change”
- I’d like to thank Governor Huckabee for having me here as a guest today. Over the past few months I’ve been very impressed with the Governor’s openness to new ideas and solutions for improving our country. He showed genuine leadership a few weeks ago by being the first candidate to sign the Nine Nineties in Nine debate pledge. By committing to a much more in-depth, solution-oriented political dialogue in our country, Governor Huckabee showed that he’s truly interested in real change.
But it’s not just candidates for President that have the ability to bring about real change. Real Change is powered by citizen movements and you have the opportunity to take part. More on that below, but let’s focus first on that phrase – real change. In Washington, we hear a lot of talk about change but too often we see too few results. That’s because even as elections are won and lost by different candidates of different parties, the underlying idea framework and lexicon of our politics and government changes at a much slower pace. Control over Congress and the White House may change parties, leading to new laws and programs influenced by different governing philosophies, but it is still the same cadre of permanent government officials and Washington lobbyists controlling the machinery of government. The result is that even if the American people vote for real change, we end up with change at the margins.
To watch Newts speech from the island click here. As I have said, I am unable to watch video on my computer, but hey, it's Newt. It's gotta be good. Everyone I talked to on the island said his speech was the best. So i will take their word for it. I have no reason to doubt them.
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
7:33 PM
0
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich
Saturday, September 22, 2007
I Met Rudy Giuliani Twice
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
12:54 AM
0
comments
Labels: mackinac Isle, Mackinaw City, Michigan, Ron Paul, Rudy Giuliani, St Ignace
Friday, September 21, 2007
Comment by Gov. Mike Huckabee on Michigan Visit
Comment by Gov. Mike Huckabee on Michigan Visit
“Thanks to a new law by Congress that went into effect Monday, we were prohibited from using the air transportation that was being provided that made getting there possible. Commercial airline schedules couldn’t get us there until after things were over Friday – and we would have to have left even before they started on Saturday. The new rules are fine if a candidate has unlimited money or its own plane, but for those of us who don't, it has really hampered our ability to get places.
“I was really looking forward to attending the Michigan event this weekend, but unfortunately the realities of my schedule overcame my ability to get there, on time to speak and meet with supporters. I called the chairman of the Michigan Republican Party to express my regret and the rationale for my decision, and I appreciate his understanding of this most unfortunate development. I know that this will be a tremendous event and I wish all participants a successful weekend in what is truly one of the most scenic parts of the country.”
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
11:08 PM
3
comments
Labels: Grand hotel, Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee
Be Sure to Watch FOX News and other Media this Weekend
"Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day, I've got a wonderful feeling that everything's going my way!"
As I have been talking about the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference for the past month, this is finally thee weekend! Yay! There is going to be all the major national news outlets, along with local news outlets from the state's big cities and northern Michigan. Two major events to watch for will be Newt Gingrich speaking at a workshop at 11:10am Sept. 22 on Saturday. Check C-Span, it could be live. I am hoping the Romney/Huckabee luncheon at 12:30pm-2:00pm Sept 22 will be broadcast live, or at least recorded. If there is a Michigan endorsement for Mike Huckabee, I will be the first to let you know. Oh boy, I am so excited! Keep checking this blog all weekend for up to the minute updates on where I am, where I've been and where I am going. And also, don't forget to look for the crazy redhead wearing a pink rayon blouse and smokey gray tweed skirt, I might be on TV!
God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
1:47 AM
2
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan
Thursday, September 20, 2007
"Go for It. Hand Out as Many as You Can."
I was responding to an email from Chris Maiorana from the Huckabee campaign about something to to thank him (you'll get the details soon enuogh on that) and in the email I asked if it would be alright to hand out some of the push cards at the parties and anywhere else on the island this weekend at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference. He responded with "Go for it. Hand out as many as you can." So, if I can do that, you can too. If you are going to the Mac Conference go here to download the push cards. I don't know if it would be alright to use the door hangers, considering that people living on the island probably don't want to be solicitated by "crazy Republicans" this weekend.
Again, I want to remind Huckabee supporters to look for me on the island. Maybe we can get together and attend events together. My email is gypzychik@yahoo.com.
Oh I have to let y'all know that I stuck my foot in my mouth again. Previously I said that Mike Huckabee won't be on the island 'til Saturday. I was wrong, which is highly unusual. Today I received something in the mail about joining the Dollar-A-Day program through the Michigan Republican Party. There is going to be a reception Friday, hosted by Dollar-A-Day, that will include Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, Ron Paul and Sam Brownback. You can only attend if you belong to the Dollar-A-Day.
Keep checking this blog this weekend for more details about the event. I will keep everyone informed throughout the weekend.
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
1:46 AM
4
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I Demand that You Demand Mike Huckabee to come to Michigan!
First I will include the email from the campaign then speak to you.
- This week we launched a new grassroots tool on our campaign website designed to build support for Governor Huckabee in Michigan.
- I would like you try it. Visit our blog and read about how to use the interactive map of Michigan to build support across the state for a potential campaign swing through Michigan.
- All you need to do is demand Governor Huckabee in your hometown and email your friends, family members and co-workers across the state and ask them to do the same.
- If you don't see your hometown be the first to demand Governor Huckabee. We will add your hometown to our Michigan Map after at least three people Demand the Governor.
- Our campaign is trying new ways to reachout to voters and build support for Governor Huckabee.
- Michigan is a critical state and one where polls indicate we are gaining support. Help us increase that level of support today.
- Click here to get started.
- Chip Saltsman National
- Campaign Manager
Well obviously we all know Mike is coming up to Mac Isle, Saturday to speak. I wish he was going to be here Friday too, to attend the barbecues and parties. But I guess he will be in DC. Oh well, I am going to the barbecues and parties. I will definitely be talking up Mike to everyone willing to listen. Dang, I feel like Elly May Clampett dressed like Scarlett O'Hara (movie was good, but book was full of racism and anti-Republican lies). I got so many invites to parties.
All kidding aside, click on the links for the Demand Map and demand that Mike come to your town. Let's be honest here. Even though Mike Huckabee will be on the island, it is "Michigan's playground for the rich." Not there's anything wrong with that. I just think that Mike's best audience would be the blue collar working class, the backbone of America. When ya see the map you will see that most of the demands for Mike Huckabee are concentrated in the Detroit, Flint, Lansing and Saginaw areas. These are where the factories are. I tell you one thing. If Mike comes to Flint I will be visiting family and take the whole Wells' family with me, aunts, uncles, cousins and even distant relatives. I doubt grandpa will go. He likes his Yellow Dog Democrats.
If you live in the northern area, DEMAND that Mike come back to the area. There is only three towns north of Midland demanding Mike. It makes the rest of the country think we are nothing but country bumpkins without access to computers. I want to end saying that I think Mike might have a Michigan endorsement, by weekend's end. That's all I am saying. I don't want to put my foot in my mouth, in case I am wrong, which is rare.
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
4:22 PM
5
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Testing the Waters and "Get Organized and Win"!
One vodka and cranberry, two Kahlua and creams later, I just got back from the r
eception. I was unable to hand out Mike Huckabee cards. But I will find other places to hand them out. Perhaps my next visit to the island.
I did have a chance to test out the waters about reaction to Mike Huckabee. I will get to that in a later post. It is positive though.
I also had time to think about a vintage button I like to wear to Republican events. It dates back to the Ike era. It says "Organize and Win," and an elephant on it. When ya tilt it a little it says "Vote Republican." Well anyways I will get back to that later.
God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
8:14 PM
1 comments
Labels: Dwight Eisenhower, Grand hotel, Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee
Friday, September 14, 2007
Meet Up on the Island!
As many of my regular readers know, I have been talking about the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference, quite often. I am really excited about the conference, in less than one week! I have been excited about attending this since before I even heard about Mike Huckabee. When I heard about Mike Huckabee's campaign back in March I was hoping that he would attend. Last month my dreams came true, he will be attending, along with every '08 presidential candidate.
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
3:47 PM
2
comments
Labels: Grand hotel, Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee
Agenda for the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference
The full schedule for the conference is up on the conference website.
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
1:40 PM
0
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Display Your Huckabee Bumpersticker with Pride!
I probably should have posted about this earlier. When you go to the Mackinac Repbulican Leadership Conference you will have to park your at the Shepler's Ferry dock. Your car will be sitting there all day or weekend. Make the most of your car sitting there. Put a Mike Huckabee bumpersticker, or two, three, four or... on your car. Let people see his name. Hopefully you can get one in time. If not, make a banner with construction paper and other crafty stuff and put it in the back window of your car. Or, ya know those windshield covers that ya put in your windshield? What ya can do is get some construction paper and cover your windshield cover with construction paper and be as creative as possible mentioning Mike Huckabee. This will work best with the cardboard style. If you don't have one, buy one. They can be found at Wal-Mart, Family Dollar, automotive stores, etc.
If you would like, take a picture and I will post it here after the conference.
God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
4:58 PM
0
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Women's Reception that will Include Janet Huckabee
Over at Saul's blog, Jane Abraham, co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, has a post about a Special Women's Event that will take place at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference.
- Mackinac Conference -- Special Women's Event
The Mackinac Conference is fast approaching. It is going to be the best conference in the history of the Michigan Republican Party. I hope you are planning to join us.
I want to be sure everyone knows about a special event I’m hosting at the conference for our POWER program. POWER is "Power Of Women Electing Republicans". This is a major donor program at the Michigan Republican Party that we have been working hard to build. The membership fee is $1000 contribution to the State Party each year. This can be contributed in a lump sum or in quarterly contributions of $250. Our members have enjoyed several special events, including a special reception with The Honorable Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor, and a roundtable breakfast with US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). Kay is the Republican Policy Committee Chair for the Republican US Senate Conference.
At the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference, POWER members will be invited to attend a special reception with invited guests:
Mrs. Mary Brownback
RNC Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson
Mrs. Callista Gingrich
Mrs. Judith Giuliani
Mrs. Janet Huckabee
Mrs. Lynne Hunter
Mrs. Cindy McCain
Mrs. Carol Paul
Mrs. Ann Romney
Mrs. Jeri Thompson
If I could afford it I would. Mrs. Huckabee is a very nice, down to earth lady. I will try to get up a post about this. It has to do with how she was willing to accept a pop can tab as an "engagement ring." I will be including about other candidate's spouses. I don't want this to be a fluff peice.
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
8:26 PM
5
comments
Labels: Janet Huckabee, Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Michigan Republican Party, Saul Anuzis
Mackinac Conference Workshops
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
7:01 PM
0
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Huckabee Unity

BE THERE, BE THERE, BE THERE!!!
Originally posted on 8/26/07.
Before I start this post I want to thank Kevin Tracy for the poster graphics. This does go with the post I had in mind about unity. As Huckabee supporters we need to unite and help Mike Huckabee the best way we can. "United we stand, divided we fall." I was thinking about the fact that Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney will be speaking at the same luncheon on the island. I thought about how this will be a good and interesting match. I had the idea for super imposing a picture of Mike and Mitt boxing, but I don't know how to do that. I knew Kevin had the ability to do something like that. I asked him and he came up with the above poster.
Here's my point, we all are able to do something to help Mike Huckabee out. Not one of us can do everything. If we all come together and put our brainstorming and talents together we can accomplish a lot.
Now for my message to all of you in Michigan. We need to show up to the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference to support Mike Huckabee. I understand that it may be exspensive and a long distance for many of you. Please at least pray and try to find a way to make it. It will be $100 for registration. The meal ticket will only be $30, to eat in luxury and most important, hear Mike Huckabee make one of his moving speeches.
Now I understand that room rates on the island will be expensive. Some of you may not be able to afford room rates, there. Room rates in St Ignace will be much cheaper. St. Ignace room rates would be anywhere from $100 to $250 cheaper. There are four different ferry docks in St. Ignace. Ya would have to take a ferry whether ya stay on the island or not. To find out about St Ignace tourism, hotels, ferry and much more info go to http://www.stignace.com/. Granted, ya can also stay in Mackinaw City. But I think St. Ignace is a better town, it's in the UP. Plus, ya would have a chance to travel over the Mackinac "Mighty Mac" Bridge.
Now some of you may be whining about not being able to stay on the island to attend all the parties. While attending great parties with free alcohol is fun, that is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to show everyone on Mackinac Island how much support Mike Huckabee has. I know Mitt will host a party. I don't know if Mike will host a party. Again, it doesn't matter. Mike Huckabee doesn't need to buy my support. There will be other parties to attend, before the last boat leaves the island.
Tell ya what, if you really want to party til closing time, I can be your tour guide in St. Ignace and we can party at one of the bars. In fact, that would be a good idea to talk about Mike Huckabee in St. Ignace, with the people who are not attending the conference. Just let's not get too drunk and look like idiots, making Mike Huckabee look like he has idiots supporting him. Sipping a few drinks would be okay. DON'T get in a bar fight either! Take a cab or have a non-drinking friend give ya a ride if you drink too much!
What'd ya say? Mike Huckabee has come out swinging for the people of Arkansas, us and the people of America. Let's come out swinging for Mike Huckabee!!
God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
12:46 PM
4
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, St Ignace
Monday, September 10, 2007
Best of Michigan Redneck

Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
7:30 AM
2
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Giddy-Up and Go...
...to Mackinac Island! I just love horses!
In my quest to talk about Mike Huckabee coming to Mackinac Island, the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference and Michigan tourism, I thought I would talk abo how to get around on Mackinac Island. There are no cars allowed on Mackinac Island, except for a few emergency and construction vehicles. So the only tr
ansportation on Mackinac Island is by foot, bike or horse.
The conference is more like a vacation for Republicans than it is about boring stuffy old political meetings. Yes, there will be meetings. But they are more like workshops than meetings. Most of the time will be spent socializing with friends, new and old alike. Whether that be on the Grand Hotel porch during the Welcome Reception, or one of the meals, or the Chairman's Reception, or any other time you are not at a meeting. 
A trip to Mackinac Island would not be complete if you did not go horseback riding and/or took a carriage ride. Either one of these activities can be done with or without a guide. Stable hands will help you choose the horse that's the right size and riding level for you. For more info about horse riding click here. Info on carriage tours and taxi service, click here. There is also a terrific video of the horses and island when you view the horses page. Be sure to take time to view these magnificent animals.
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
12:20 AM
0
comments
Labels: Grand hotel, horses, Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Still Laughing...

Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
4:22 PM
0
comments
Labels: Grand hotel, Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney
Friday, September 7, 2007
Michigan Politics and Tourism
Since there is only two weeks until the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference I thought I would start talking more about Michigan and Mike Huckabee's chance in Michigan. Since I work in tourism and Michigan has so many great places to see I would also like to spotlight many of the great things to see in Michigan. I will be talking about other Huckabee stuff too.
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
2:34 PM
0
comments
Labels: Grand hotel, Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee, Paul Opsommer
Repbublican Debate in Michigan!
Woo-Hoo! From That's Saul, Folks is a video of Saul Anuzis, state Republican chairman, announcing that there will be a Republican debate in *Ann Arbor, MI at the University of Michigan on Oct 9. Watch the video.
This is terrific news! Now maybe Michigan will get some attention.
Also, don't forget there is still time to register for the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference.
God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!
*correction: The debate will be held in Dearborn at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Theatre.
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
2:15 AM
0
comments
Labels: Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Michigan Republican Party, Saul Anuzis
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Reception Invite/Chance to talk about Huckabee on the Island one week early
This is not the original story I was planning on talking about when I said I had a Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference post in the works.
Today I checked my snail mail from yesterday. In the mail I got an invitation to a reception for Representative Paul E. Opsommer of the 93rd District. I admit I had to do a Yahoo search on who he is. He is the Republican Representative from DeWitt, Michigan. Click on his name to find out about him.
The reception will take place at the Cupola Bar at the Grand Hotel on Saturday Sept. 15. The bar is at the very top of the Grand. This is an invitation only party, so I don't want to give too many details. I don't want to be the cause of party crashers.
I am not sure who all will be there, since this is just a week before the conference. I am not sure why I was even invited. All I know is whoever I talk to I will tell them about Mike Huckabee and let them know that Mike will be at the conference. Meal tickets can be purchased the same day as the conference, so there will still be time for anyone at the reception to buy tickets to his luncheon.
Coming up, I will get to be y'alls Barbie. I will dress my dress-form with a few outfits and let you, the dear readers choose what I should wear.
God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!
PS, Ya may have noticed my header is a little different, and better. I have to give credit to Kevin Tracy for that. Please go to his blog and tell him what a terrific job he did!
Posted by
Michigan Redneck
at
5:52 PM
0
comments
Labels: Grand hotel, Mackinac Island Leadership Conference, mackinac Isle, Michigan, Mike Huckabee, Paul Opsommer






