By, Kathy Six
November 28, 2024
Republicans are still celebrating the big wins across the country, state and local levels. The Muskegon GOP worked especially hard at turning Muskegon red and though many thought it couldn't be done, Muskegon voted a Republican majority in not just the President's race, but other races as well. Trump has hit the ground running and is assigning cabinet members who are competent players in righting this sinking ship. Though we can breathe a sigh of relief and be proud of our hard work, we cannot just sit back and enjoy the four-year ride. The state of Michigan needs an overhaul starting with the governor's race.
Looking Back Before Moving Forward
The question inevitably looms in front of us. Who can we be looking toward as excellent candidates to beat whomever the dems put before us? Let's look back before going forward. In spite of the excellent race Tudor Dixon ran against Whitmer, the loss reminded us that we must take a close look at our state's issues and plan for Republican leadership to also right our state ship.
Evidence that Michigan is not necessarily going to ride the red wave is the voting outcome of our recent past. One of the most concerning issues was Proposal 3 passed just 2 years ago. Most Michiganders were under the impression that Michigan did not have any law regarding abortion prior to the proposal. The lack of knowledge of Michiganders opened the dem House and Senate for disingenuous work against the nescient public. In nothing less than a surreptitiously written proposal, many Michiganders believed they were getting something akin to Roe-Wade. What most hadn't bothered to check was whether Michigan already had an abortion law. In 1931, Michigan's Constitution contained an amendment (article 1 section 28) which allowed abortions under certain circumstances. Michigan residents were not well prepared to make a choice.
This devious behavior by Whitmer and the liberal house and senate tells us we need to educate the public in a proactive approach. I need not remind any adult that was forced to wear masks, get vaccinated against their wishes to keep their job, and teach their children at home that Michigan is still under tyrannical leadership. These were nonsensical orders that hamstrung businesses and the general public. When a business is ordered to close the paint section or home and gardens of their store or place traffic arrows on the floors, all rational thinking has left the capitol building. Unlike South Dakota that let their people decide how to work, shop, take care of their health, etc., Whitmer, like any good tyrannical leader, went about forcing us by law to do as she commanded. Some of these commands were vengeful acts to punish anyone who dared question her rules.
A Governor Worthy of Michiganders
What, then, are we looking for in a new governor? It's fair to say that it's been a long time since Michigan has had a governor who made other states wish they were Michiganders. Unlike the flocking of citizens from neighboring states to S. Dakota, Michigan residents have been flocking out of our state. How can we turn things around making us a state of envy as many say they see in Florida, Texas and S. Dakota? We do this by choosing a governor with a backbone and the tenacity to go forward in spite of screaming democrats.
A Previous Contender
Currently there are some great contenders for the governorship. Let's start with our last front runner against Whitmer, Tudor Dixon. Tudor has a variety of skills that helped boost her to the position of running against Whitmer. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, worked as a media host for RAV, worked in her father's steel company in Muskegon on the factory floor, in sales and doing secretarial duties, and is a wife and mother who has survived breast cancer.
Could a Loss Set Him up for Better Options?
Mike Rogers who recently ran for US Senate losing by the thinnest margin is another option for many Republicans. He has a variety of skills that makes him a viable candidate. He held a position in government previously as a representative for Michigan. Prior to his years as a representative, Rogers earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice and served as a special agent for the Bureau of Investigations. A feather in his cap for most Michiganderss is the legislation he wrote called the Michigan Education Savings Program making college a possibility for many families. Although he became a resident of Florida prior to the most recent senate race, Rogers returned to Michigan to run against Slotkin for that important senate seat.
A Governor with Historical Small Business Leadership?
On many republican's minds is Kevin Rinke. Kevin's skills come from a variety of experiences, including working as a young man for his father's automotive business. He earned a degree from Michigan State and returned to the family business. He headed up the RInke Automotive Group where his leadership skills were honed and recognized. Kevin is clear on several issues. He believes the government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. He also supports law enforcement and small businesses. Kevin is against CRT or any derivative of this racial indoctrination. Kevin, unlike many politicians afraid to broach the subject, believes there are inherent issues in the security of our elections in 2020. He openly speaks about the issues of that 2020 election and the need to make elections "cheat proof".
Persistence Pay Off?
John James is another name on the lips of Michigan Republicans. John is a West Point graduate and combat veteran. John went on to receive his masters in supply chain management. James became the president of James Group International and served on boards such as the National Veteran Business Development Council. In 2018, James entered the political arena running against Debbie Stabenow for a seat in the U.S. Senate for Michigan. As Michigan maintained a democratic lean, James lost to Stabenow. Another contentious race in 2020 pitted the incumbent Gary Peters against John James. The race was called for Peters, however, James was concerned about the amount of evidence that the election was fraught with irregularities and challenged the results. Unable to obtain a ruling to audit the election results, James conceded. John remained persistent which paid off in 2022 where he won a seat for Michigan in the House.
A Master of Economics
Another name being whispered in republican circles for governor is Aric Nesbitt. Aric, like other possibilities for governor, has plenty of business experience. His family owned and operated a dairy and grape farm where Aric was expected to work on the farm in his formative years. He earned a degree in economics from Hillsdale College and then attended Norwegian School of Economics for his masters. Aric entered politics in 2010 as a representative for Michigan's House. Aric was eventually the House Majority leader and after being elected to the senate, became the Senate Majority Leader. Aric's knowledge of taxes, finance, energy and regulatory activities provide a broad range of skills for a Michigan governor. Aric is a no-nonsense leader who believes in common sense, fiscally responsible government.
Although this is not an exhaustive list of candidates, we won't truly know who is going to step up and run for governor of Michigan for at least another year. That doesn't mean we just wait and see. Recruiting excellent candidates is a task not just for the Michigan GOP, but each of us as residents of this good state. Just hearing about some amazing people who could "right our ship" is a good place to start. I am looking forward to learning who can stand up to the tyrannical leadership we've lived under for the last six years. Who do you hope will step up to run for the governorship?
How Do I Help Turn Michigan Full Red?
One thing we understand from the 2024 election is how important every single voice, every single set of hands and every set of feet on the ground are needed to win elections. Prior to 2020, the general apathy from many Republican Americans and many Republican Michiganders regarding their part in politics was very evident. As we moved through those excruciating years under the BIden-Harris administration, Republicans began to awaken to the importance of their part in winning elections. In spite of being behind the Democrats in our urgency to participate, Republicans have stepped up to bring Trump the Presidency. It's tempting to sit back on our laurels. On the contrary, our work has just begun. We need you in order to continue the fight. We cannot allow hard-working people who have been pounding the pavement for 4+ years to burn out prior to getting Michigan on track. As the saying goes, "many hands make light work."
How can you help? Start by attending your local GOP executive board meetings. There's no secret magic to re-aligning our ideals into political policy. By attending, you can literally listen to the inner workings of those fighting the good fight. You hear the people speaking who are spear heading the work to be done. Muskegon's meetings are the second Monday of the month.
Offer to assist someone already in the trenches. If someone you know is already doing the work, ask them how you can help. Join the political party of your county. Is there a cost? For most, yes, however, the information and ability to be a part of the movement becomes a natural outcome of the cost. If you pay, you will likely play. In addition, those funds go toward getting work done. Money is required to keep the party afloat.
Start your journey in the political arena small. Become a Precinct Delegate. If there are openings in your district, you can be elevated to be a delegate at the next county convention without going through an election. Check with your local GOP group as to when the next conventions will occur. Delegates can start small with little political information or insight and learn as you go. As a delegate, you might be selected to go to the State Convention each year. These conventions are comparative to what electoral college votes do for presidential elections.
Come to your local Republican Party events. Muskegon has numerous events throughout the year. It's an opportunity to mingle with like-minded people and have a great time while you do so. For example, we hosted a chili cook-off recently that also allowed attendees to hear from candidates and the amazing guest speaker, pastor Lorenzo Sewell. My mother-in-law came with my husband and I as a guest. She isn't a party member yet, and she not only enjoyed the fantastic chili but was inspired by the speakers and other attendees. Don't be afraid to tag along with a friend or check the website for activities and sign up to attend.
Let's make Michigan great again. We can do it. Let's get to it.
Kathy Six is a retired conservative school teacher from Fruitport Public Schools and now serves on the Fruitport School Board and the Muskegon County Republican Executive Committee.
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