Names to Know This Tuesday: Jay, Jon, & Pete

OK, so the Michigan Primary is less than 18 hours away, and at least three people today told me they still don’t know who all is running in the race tomorrow. They’ve been saved face-to-face, now for the rest of you.

You just need to remember three names: Jay, Jon, and Pete.

Jay Riemersma is the BEST choice for the 2nd District U.S. House of Representatives seat.

Jon Bumstead is the RIGHT choice for 100th District State Representative.

Pete Hoekstra is the ONLY choice for our next Governor of Michigan.

I’ve been blogging about these guys since February. Here are some links to related blogs:

Election 2010 Final Four

Jay Riemersma is Raising the Bar in the 2nd District Congressional Race

90 Minutes with Jon Bumstead

60 Minutes with Jay Riemersma

There’s a bit to chew on before heading to the polls tomorrow morning! Not sure where to go to vote? You can look up polling locations here!

Oh, and if you’re in Hart Township, vote for Tim White for Precinct Delegate in Oceana County! Thanks!

Questioning the Cost and Philosophy of the Stimulus Plan in Michigan

President Barack Obama is in Michigan today to promote the ground breaking for the LG Chem battery plant in Holland. The President is lauding the ground breaking as a sign that the Stimulus Package is working, and creating jobs. But at what cost?

Without question, Michigan NEEDS jobs. With unemployment in the state currently lingering around an astounding 14%, some would say that we need to do anything to bring jobs to Michigan. There are others, however, who disagree.

According to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, Michigan taxpayers will write $100 Million in checks to the Korean battery maker. From the article:

Last week the the Michigan Economic Development Corp. upped the ante on a $100 million “refundable” business tax credit approved by the state House and Senate for a subsidiary of the South Korean battery maker LG Chem. The MEDC in effect converted the credit into an outright cash subsidy from Michigan taxpayers by granting the firm’s 120-acre plant site in Holland “renaissance zone” status for 15 years.

The legislation authorizing the credit, Senate Bill 466 sponsored by Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, was passed last year. This spring, the firm was also approved for a federal “stimulus” grant of $151 million for the plant, the cost of which is pegged by various sources at between $244 million and $303 million. Essentially, taxpayers are all but giving the Korean manufacturer a brand new factory.

The Mackinac Center isn’t the only one questioning the price tag on these jobs.

In an article published today by the Wall Street Journal, Congressional candidate Jay Riemersma (R- Holland) stated, “”This is one instance where you can see job creating coming from it (the stimulus), but again…at what cost?” Riemersma went on to add, “People don’t want government stimulus and government spending…In their mind we’re mortgaging their future and their grandchildren’s future.”

The Heritage Foundation makes the argument that Obama’s Stimulus Plan is a failure, and the LG Battery Plant is a prime example. According to the article:

“Specifically, this factory is being subsidized by $151 million of stimulus funds from an even larger $2 billion honey pot of stimulus money set aside for electric car battery investments. This one plant is expected to employ 300 workers. That works out to more than $500,000 per job created. $500,000 per job. This plant, in a nutshell, explains why the President’s stimulus plan has been an objective failure.

In plain English, does it really make sense to pay 100x the annual salary of a new job? That’s assuming that the average employee would make $50,000 per year, which I suspect is unlikely. At what point do we say, “Gee, we probably shouldn’t be spending $100 to make $1?” It just doesn’t make sense.

$500,000 per job? That makes about as much sense as The Michigan Film Tax Credit, which is supported by Michigan State Representative Bill Huizenga (R-Holland), another Congressional candidate for Michigan’s 2nd District seat. The Film Incentive is another attempt by government to buy jobs for Michigan, and another example that begs the question of when is the price for new jobs too high? The Film Incentive grants ridiculous amounts of money to filmmakers who shoot in Michigan. To learn more, check out this video.

Rather than buying jobs for Michigan, we should be focusing on repealing punitive businesses taxes, removing cumbersome regulations, and making Michigan more attractive to business in a way that is sustainable and beneficial to the employer, the employee, and the state.

It’s time to elect officials who get the idea that wasting money is a bad thing. We need officials who are ready to do the hard work it will take to convince businesses to invest in Michigan. Officials who understand that the key to long-term, sustained economic growth lies in fixing the root of the problem: our tax code and business regulations.

People like Jay Riemersma for Congress, Pete Hoekstra for Governor, and Jon Bumstead for the 100th District State Representative.

These are the men I’m supporting this August 3rd. I hope you’ll get out and do the same. It’s time to fix the problem.

Jay Riemersma is Raising the Bar in the 2nd District Congressional Race

With just 62 days left before the August 3rd Michigan Primary elections, the 2nd District Congressional race is heating up.

Jay Riemersma is making an impressive showing, and recent polling indicates Riemersma is leading in most of the district’s 11 counties.

Jay aired the first television ad of the race a few weeks ago. The ad was well produced, catchy, and smart. In the ad, Jay reiterates his strong commitment to Conservative values, highlighting  his pro-life and pro-guns stance. You can see the video below:

Jay has also launched his “10,000 Doors in 2010” campaign. Riemersma plans to go door to door over the coming weeks, and spread his message to the people of the 2nd District. To date, Riemersma and his many volunteers have knocked on over 3,000 doors. Jay is averaging about 250 doors per day, and more on his “Super Saturdays.”

You can follow Jay's progress at http://www.votejr.com

I haven’t seen any other candidate in this race work so hard. If this kind of work ethic is indicative of how Jay will perform in Washington, then West Michigan will be well represented. It’s this kind of nose-to-the-grindstone spirit we need in Washington.

Riemersma’s success isn’t going unnoticed, either. Bill Huizenga is certainly feeling the pressure Jay has brought to the race, and the Huizenga Campaign’s low fundraising totals would seem to indicate that the Michigan legislator is losing ground to the former NFL football player. Other candidates, including Bill Cooper of Muskegon, have claimed that Jay’s career as a professional athlete does not qualify him to represent West Michigan in Congress.

Isn’t it odd, though, that they always fail to mention that Riemersma is a graduate of the University of Michigan? Last time I checked, that Big Ten school didn’t award degrees in football. Jay holds a BA in Communications from U of M, and communicating with the people of West Michigan is something he seems to be doing quite well.

And at the end of the day, that’s what a Congressman really needs to be. A communicator. It doesn’t do much good to have the greatest idea in the world if you can’t communicate that idea, make others understand it, and rally support behind the idea. Bill Cooper may be great at creating jobs, but can he convince other Congressmen to join up with him, garner support, and push that idea into law? Maybe, maybe not.

Jay Riemersma can. Jay has proven over the last several months that he is willing to do the hard work required to win. He’s proven throughout his professional career that he has the guts, discipline, and intestinal fortitude to see that the job gets done.

As a Marine, I know a bit about discipline, hard work, and perseverance. I see these qualities in Jay Riemersma, and that’s why I want him as our next Congressman, representing West Michigan in Washington.

Memorial Day – A Time to Remember…

Today I had the honor of carrying the Marine Corps Colors in the Pentwater Memorial Day Parade. There were over thirty veterans marching in the parade, from WWII veterans, to Iraq vets like myself, and several Korean War and Vietnam vets as well.

Memorial Day Parade 2010 - Pentwater, MI

The turnout was phenomenal, and it warmed my heart to see so many come out to remember our fallen. We marched through town, carrying the colors of our respective services, with Old Glory leading the way. A drummer kept time, and we marched in step to the accompaniment of cheering and whistling onlookers.

We made our way to the marina, where a few words were spoken, a moment of silence was observed, and a wreath was laid in Pentwater Lake. The rifle squad from the Pentwater VFW fired a 21 gun salute, and we made our way to the Pentwater Village Green.

At the Village Green, veterans from the crowd were asked to join those in ranks already assembled. About 15-20 men and women from several generations came out to join us as the national anthem was played. The Pentwater marching band played a rousing military melody, and my spine stiffened with pride at the notes of the Marine Hymn. A veteran gave a speech, another moment of silence was observed, and as we departed, you could hear “Thank You” and “God Bless You” being said from every direction.

Finally, we headed out to the Pentwater cemetery, where Taps was played. After all these years, those magical notes still get me a bit misty-eyed, and today was no exception. A local clergyman led us in prayer, and we laid a wreath at the war memorial in the cemetery.

Memorial Day has always had special significance to me. I began playing Taps at funerals when I was about 10 years old. My Grandfather, a Korean War Era Marine, was the chaplain for his VFW post. He used to take me along to funerals and have me play. Later in life, as a Marine, it became even more significant, as I learned the stories of the heroes who gave all to defend freedom.

But it was in 2006 that Memorial Day really became personal. I lost several good friends in the fall of 2006 and early 2007. They were fellow Marines, Brothers, who are greatly missed. Men like Troy Nealy, Minhee Kim, Luis Castillo, and several others. While each of their lost lives hurt, one was particularly personal for me.

On Feb 19, 2007, Brett Witteveen died in Iraq, on patrol in Fallujah, with Alpha Co. 1/24 Marines. Brett was a great friend, and like a little brother to me. I remember when Brett used to come by my house, put on my pack, and talk about joining the Marines someday. I was so proud of him when he eventually did.  He was just 20 years old when he passed. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him, and miss him terribly.

Memorial to Brett Witteveen in Grand Rapids, MI

I hope everyone took at least a few minutes today to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many veterans. Without those that have come and gone before us, we wouldn’t enjoy the freedoms we have today. In closing, I wish to pay tribute to my grandfather, SGT Robert P. White, USMC. I miss you, Pop.

Making History, Becoming History, or Both?

It seems that folks are a little obsessed with “Making History” when it comes to political decisions these days. But I ask you, is it more important to make history, or to prepare for the future?

During the Presidential Elections of 2008, I endured wave after wave of news reports and public sentiment that voting for Obama and electing the first black President would make history. The Democratic Party held him up to be the candidate that would bring hope and change, and would be the consummate sign that America had changed.

Now, I have steadfastly acknowledged that Obama’s campaign was one of the greatest election campaigns ever run. The campaign used every available media source, grassroots effort, and marketing strategy known to man, and they were highly effective in getting the message out.

A large number of voters voted for Obama to make history, by electing America’s first black President. Another large segment of voters voted for Obama because they were just so sick of the past administration that they wanted something, ANYTHING, but what we had. OK, fine. So be it. They made their voices heard, and President Obama won the election. History was made.

Now we have a healthcare bill signed into law using a process that makes the manufacturing of sausage look like a Renaissance Masterpiece. But hey, we made history! Again!

A significant portion of the country didn’t want it because they didn’t understand what it contained. Evidently, no one else did either, since today the government realized it missed some of the targeted protections for children. I also noticed several changes to the bill when I went back to the online Library of Congress file. As it goes to the Senate for reconciliation, more changes are expected.

We now have Healthcare Reform that cannot sustain itself, will stress Medicaid to the breaking point, and adds to our already ridiculously large deficit. How’s that for making history?

In any event, they did it, and are currently enjoying their victory. Will it be a victory for the nation, however? Eventually, someone is going to come to collect the debts America owes. What will happen at that point? Will we be bought out, go bankrupt, and join the ranks of failed governments in the history books? God, I hope not.

Greek Ruins

We need a government that can work together. We need leaders that can focus on the issues, and rise above petty name calling. We need BOTH PARTIES to grow up, and act like the distinguished leaders we thought we were electing. We need respectable leadership that will dignify the offices they represent. We need Congressman and Senators who truly represent the will of their constituents, not party or personal goals.

The Obama campaign promised change. This administration is no better than the last, it’s just a different party, with a different agenda. Partisanship continues to run rampant, and new ways are found to circumvent the protections set up by the Constitution. These circumventions are waved off by key figures, who justify their actions by saying, “Well, the other party did it when they had power!”

That’s not making history, it’s repeating the mistakes of the past.

We don’t need to continue making history, we need to avoid becoming history.

The Healthcare issue isn’t even at the top of most Americans’ priorities list. Americans are primarily concerned with the economy, and even more importantly, unemployment. Let’s encourage our leadership to wipe the slate clean, put some band-aids on their sore egos, and focus on these two issues.

I think everyone will be a lot more willing to discuss healthcare reform once we get Americans working and get a plan in place to balance the budget. It will take more than one party, and it will require that the average American get off the couch and get involved to elect leaders that can bring it about. I’m in. Are you?

Plug Me Back into the Matrix, Please

A few months back, someone slipped a pill in my drink, while I wasn’t looking.

No, nothing as scandalous as a ruffie, nor even as trippy as ecstasy. Instead, someone slipped me the Red Pill, and I began to wake up and see what was going in our government.

In case you’re not familiar with the pill I am referring to, allow me to share a quote from The Matrix:

You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes.

OK, so nobody really physically slipped me a pill. Nevertheless, I have been driven of late to stay abreast of political goings-on, and obsessed with researching and understanding the inexplicable push by Democrats to force through a Healthcare Bill that is rife with controversy, encompasses one-sixth of the U.S. economy, and provides healthcare to…well, I haven’t figured that out yet.

The reason I use the Matrix metaphor is because the majority of my fellow citizens seem to still be asleep. The deeper I look into this bill, the more disgusted and sickened I become. I try to shake those near me awake, to no avail. They either don’t see the problem, or refuse to. They have become so desensitized to government corruption that they don’t realize how severe our plight has become.

Equally disconcerting is when people are aware of what the current administration is doing, they shrug it off, or try to justify it by pointing out the indiscretions and wrong-doings of past administrations (namely, President Bush). I seem to remember learning a  lesson as a child, a lesson like: “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

By this logic, I guess the next administration can just come in and do whatever it pleases. Then again, why wait for the next administration? Obama has two years left. Will we give him a blank check to continue unraveling our country?

I saw a similar defeated attitude in Iraq. When patrolling the villages around Fallujah, as elections were drawing near, I had the opportunity to ask the Iraqis of Al-Anbar how they felt about the upcoming elections. The prevailing theme was, “They’re all liars, and what we think won’t make a difference, anyway.”

There were some exceptions, where people were excited about the elections, but they were in the minority. I did what I could to encourage the people of Iraq to stay motivated. After all, this is what my fellow Marines and I had fought for. The right for Iraqis to have free elections, and liberate themselves. Had it been for nothing?

The lesson I took away from my time in Iraq in 2008 was a painful one. You can’t help those that won’t help themselves. If you believe you are beaten before you even begin, you will surely be defeated.

Now, here I am back home, 18 months later, seeing some disturbing similarities. People believe that the government will do whatever it wants, and that all politicians are liars. A people so discouraged in their leadership that they are convinced that resistance is futile. (Yes, I spent too much time watching Sci-Fi movies in my younger days.)

President Obama, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Senator Harry Reid and their party have managed to bull through H.R. 3962 – Affordable Health Care for America Act. The Act was passed and signed into law today by President Obama in spite of the objections of the American people. Numerous polls indicated that this was not healthcare reform that the American people want.

There are plenty of sources to cite that claim this is because of misinformation propagated by the Republican Party. The GOP has been accused of fear mongering and spreading lies about the bill. Allow me to toss my chips in with the GOP on this one. I have spent hours reading the bill, and have found nothing in it that convinces me otherwise.

On the contrary, I have found it much easier to debunk the supposed benefits the Democrats claim are being provided. It’s been said that we need some true Bi-Partisan effort to achieve heath care reform, yet the only thing Bi-Partisan about this bill has been the opposition to it. Not one single Republican voted for this bill, but several Democrats voted AGAINST it.

President Obama has made claims that the Republicans are fighting the bill just to be stubborn, labeling them “The Party of No.” In fact, in an attempt to make an appearance of bipartisanship, the Democrats tacked on some Republican amendments to the bill. They refused, however, to address the problems that Republicans had with what was already in the bill. When the Republicans held their ground on the issues, and refused to vote for a flawed bill, they were again accused of being “The Party of No”.

I’m so sorry, Mr. President, that the Republican Party wasn’t as easy to buy off as some of your Democratic colleagues in Nebraska, Louisiana, and Northern Michigan (Yes, YOU, Mr. Stupak!). The Republican Party was on the right side, this time. The side of the people.

In conclusion, I ask that my fellow Americans do one of two things: Either wake up and get involved, or have the decency to plug me back into the Matrix. I’m getting too old to fight these battles alone.

Besides, I can’t pull off the leather trench coat look like Keanu Reeves, and I would damn sure look ridiculous in leather pants.

Michigan Representatives Split on Healthcare

The clock is ticking. The 72 hour countdown to the vote on the healthcare bill has begun, with zero hour being 2pm EST on Sunday.

Democrats are rounding up as much support for the bill as they can, with President Obama attempting to convince Democratic Congressional Representatives that their political future lies in the passing of the bill.

The Washington Post has released a great chart that shows how Congress voted on the original bill in November, and where they stand now. Being a Michigan resident, I’m focusing on Michigan.

From http://www.washingtonpost.com

The chart shows all fifteen Representatives from the State of Michigan. The first column indicates where the Rep stands as of today. The second column shows how they voted on November 7th.

The votes are split by party. All seven Republicans are against the bill, and seven of the eight Democrats are for the bill.

There is one Democrat from Michigan who remains undecided on the issue. That would be Bart Stupak of District 1, from the Upper Peninsula. Stupak is a staunch Pro-Life advocate, and has stated that he will not vote for the bill unless his amendment to prohibit federal funding of abortion is included in the bill. The Stupak Amendment is not being viewed favorably by many Pro-Choice Democrats, and could be the weak link in this bill’s potential passage.

One thing that strikes me as odd is that no candidate, with the exception of Stupak, has changed their stance on this bill since it has been redrafted. The original Senate Bill is 2409 pages. The new Amendment, dated March 18, 2010, is an additional 153 pages. There are other documents as well to be considered, including the Reconciliation Act prepared by the Congressional Committe on the Budget, another 445 pages.

Nothing in any of this caused anyone to change their minds??? Well, if they haven’t read it, I guess it wouldn’t.

Fear not, however. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has graciously arranged for the public to have 72 hours to digest this 3000+ page nightmare.

Oh, and if you thought all this reform was strictly about Healthcare, think again.

There are several sections relating to education reform as well. To be honest, the Amendment is so convoluted and filled with “strike subparagraph x of section xxx and insert blah blah blah”  that my head is currently throbbing just trying to read it.

On initial review, I gleaned that the Amendment is pumping more money into grants for students, schools, and teachers. There are several revisions to the Pell Grant. The Amendment also includes changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Now I’m not saying Education Reform is a bad thing, and it certainly could use some reform, but does it need to be dealt with in a healthcare bill???

In the Marine Corps, we have an expression that I will attempt to clean up for those of a more “genteel” nature. It involves cramming 10 pounds of “waste product” into a 2 pound sack. The analogy seems fitting for this bill as well.

Healthcare reform is needed. But not just any reform. We need clear, concise, well thought out reform. Most importantly, it needs to be reform that we can AFFORD as a nation. The current bill is a runaway train of Progressive ideology, and it needs to be stopped.

Call your Representatives today, and urge them to vote no this weekend. Pray that this will even come up for a vote.

Federal Healthcare – Battle Lines are Drawn

Across the nation today, people are blowing the phones off the hook, reaching out to their Congressional Representatives and urging them to vote “NO” on the proposed Healthcare Bill. Fortunately for me, here in West Michigan, I already know where my Congressman stands.

Democrats are launching a major push to pull in the votes they need to push this thing through. According to an article in the Telegraph, President Obama has even gone so far as to threaten to withdraw support for Democrats who don’t vote yes on the bill. A one-night presidential appearance can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds for a campaign. By threatening to not do tis for Democratic candidates who oppose him, Obama has drawn a line in the sand, essentially saying, “You’re either with me, or against me.”

This may seem a bit heavy-handed to some, but it’s been a trademark of this issue since it started over a year ago. No one can agree on all the aspects of this convoluted and all-encompassing bill. Many government representatives have suggested starting the process over, removing the controversial pieces, and trying to pass reform in smaller bites, more palatable to the American people. President Obama refuses to budge, however. He wants it all, and he wants it now.

That’s the part that frustrates me the most. This is no longer an issue of what is good for the United States. It’s all about who is going to win. This issue has consumed this administration, to the detriment of other issues facing our nation. Compromise isn’t even in the picture anymore. The administration is so obsessed with the idea of being the “Champions of Healthcare Reform” that they are deaf to the pleas of the American people to slow down and do this right. It’s become one big contest of egos in Washington.

The craziest thing of all is that NO ONE, from either political party, actually likes this bill “as written”. Everyone knows it’s garbage, can’t pay for itself, and is full of special interest payoffs. Where the parties truly differ is that the leading Democrats are desperate to pass SOMETHING, and the Republicans (along with some Democratic hold-outs) would rather take the time to work reform through in steps. I’m again reminded of the lesson I try to teach my kids: “If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”

Instead, Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid continue to push this bill, essentially saying to the House opposition, “Just vote yes, and we’ll fix it later.”

Our only hope is to contact our Congressional leaders to remind them that they represent the will of the people, and that we do not want this bill. West Michigan is fortunate to have a leader like Congressman Pete Hoekstra in Washington right now, working to rally support against the bill. Pete Hoekstra  has made plain his thoughts on the bill, and his continued determination to see this bill defeated. Hoekstra is conveying the message to fight against this bill every way he can, to include social media venues like Facebook and Twitter.

Congressman Bart Stupak (D) from the Upper Peninsula could really use your calls of support right now. Stupak has jumped in front of this freight train, along with a few of his Democrat colleagues in Congress. Stupak is against the bill because he believes that the bill will open the door to federal funding of abortion. A staunch Pro-Life advocate, Stupak finds the bill unconscionable, and is holding strong despite the threats being lobbed at him by the White House. Stay strong Bart!

Michigan has a total of 15 Congressional Representatives in Washington (8 Democrats and 7 Republicans). I know these two men are against the bill, but it doesn’t hurt to call and let them know we appreciate it! I urge you to call the other members of Congress and tell them how you feel about the bill, too.

For a list of Congressional Representatives and how to contact them, visit the Contacting Congress website.

What Sets a Candidate Apart From the Rest?

Last night I attended another Lincoln Day Dinner. This time our host was the Mason County Republican Party, and I attended as a guest of Pete Hoekstra’s Campaign.

Last night, the main speakers were the Congressional Candidates for Michigan’s 2nd District. Six candidates were in attendance, and took their turns giving their backgrounds and their beliefs. This is a great place to start looking for contrast among the candidates.

Two of the candidates are existing politicians from the Michigan State Government. Sen Wayne Kuipers and Rep Bill Huizenga have both represented their districts in Lansing, and have experience in the political world. I haven’t personally agreed with some of the decisions they have made while in office, but they do undoubtedly have the experience. Unfortunately for them, there is a wide current of public sentiment that is not happy with the current state of affairs, and political experience may do them more harm than good.

Next were two new candidates that I hadn’t seen prior to last night. One was a self-professed “Tea-Party Republican” from Honor, Michigan who was plainly uncomfortable speaking in public, and did little to instill any excitement in me.

The other was actually so far left in his views that I honestly can’t remember his name. His stance is one of “open-mindedness,” and he believes that we should look to foreign publications and opinions for guidance on forming our policies here in the U.S. To that I give an emphatic “HELL NO”. He, too, was low on the motivational scale.

Then there’s Bill Cooper, the successful business entrepreneur from Fruitport. Bill is undoubtedly business savvy, and I would not hesitate to hire him to run a business for me. Beyond that, Bill has had little to nothing to say on any other issues. Personally, I’m looking for a leader with a wider range of capabilities. Bill would be a great business advisor to someone in office, but I’m just not convinced where he stands on the other issues.

Finally, there’s Jay Riemersma, former NFL Player and Chair of the Family Readiness Council. Jay exudes energy and confidence. Confidence, as opposed to arrogance. Jay has true leadership qualities: the ability to consider both sides of an argument, the moral strength to stick to his principles and beliefs, and the humility to know that he is a position of service, beholden to the people. He is the only candidate as of yet to state that the reason he is running is to “Give back to the community.”

It’s Jay’s personal beliefs, principles similar to my own, that make him stand out among the crowd in my eyes. He doesn’t dance around issues. He can tackle challenges head on, and he’s not afraid of a little friction. He believes in true fiscal conservatism, and he knows that more government is not the answer to America’s troubles. Jay believes we need a strong military, and that we need to provide our troops with the support they need.

One of the Marine Corps’ (pronounced “core”, NOT “corpse” thank you very much!) key Leadership Principles is “Know Yourself and Seek Self Improvement.” Jay spends a lot of time staying abreast of current events and issues. On the rare occassions I have caught him on a subject he didn’t know about, he acknowledged it and sought to learn more about the subject. This kind of humility is uncommon, and a trait essential to true leaders.

While some candidates have attempted to portray Jay as the “Dumb Jock”, the truth of the matter is that Jay has a degree from the University of Michigan, is articulate, and very capable of communicating with others.

It’s pretty obvious that I support and have publicly endorsed Jay. My intent here is to give you an idea WHY. Many of the other candidates are respectable men, and in theory are capable of filling the position. When it comes time to cast my ballot on August 3rd, however, I can only choose one, and I want the BEST choice to win. THAT’S why I choose Jay Riemersma for Congress. Jay has the strength and fortitude to lead in Washington, and we need strength and leadership now more than ever.

To find out more about Jay Riemersma, visit his website www.votejr.com.

You can also contact me for more information. I’m looking for others to help spread the word about Jay, and I could use your help. You can find my contact info at my website www.timwhitehomes.com. Comments here are great way to reach me, as well.

Election 2010 Final Four

In the spirit of March Madness, I have prepared my own Final Four, as it pertains to our political choices this August. Remember, the election this year is one of the most important elections of our lives. Get out and vote!

Michigan State Representative – 100th District

Tim's Pick: Jon Bumstead

Currently held by:  Goeff Hansen (R)

District Covers: Oceana, Lake, and Newaygo Counties

Who’s Running:

• Jon Bumstead (R) – Newaygo
• Jane Drake (R) – Fremont
• Marc Libants (R) – Newaygo
• Scott Tillman (R) – Fremont

Michigan State Senate – 34th District

Tim's Pick: Goeff Hansen

Currently held by:  Gerald Van Woerkom (R)

District Covers: Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, and Newaygo Counties

Who’s Running:

• Goeff Hansen (R) – Hart
• David Farhat (R) – Muskegon
• Mary Valentine (D) – Muskegon

U.S. Congress – 2nd District of Michigan

Tim's Pick: Jay Riemersma

Currently held by: Peter Hoekstra (R)

District Covers: Consists of the counties of Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, Mason, Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, Ottawa, and the northern portion of Allegan County and the northwest portion of Kent County.

Who’s Running:

• Jay Riemersma – (R) – Holland
• Bill Cooper – (R) – Muskegon
• Wayne Kuipers – (R) – Holland
• Bill Huizenga – (R) – Holland
• Fred Johnson – (D) – Holland

Governor of Michigan

Tim's Pick: Pete Hoekstra

Currently held by: Jennifer Granholm (D)

Who’s running:

• Peter Hoekstra – (R) – (US Congress)
• Mike Cox – (R) – (Michigan Attorney General)
• Mike Bouchard – (R) – (Oakland County Sheriff)
• Tom George – (R) – (Michigan State Senator)
• Rick Snyder – (R) – (Venture Capitalist)
• Alma Smith – (D) – (US Representative)
• Andy Dillon – (D) – (State House Speaker)
• Virg Bernero – (D) – (Lansing Mayor)
• George Perles – (D) – (MSU Trustee)

The list of candidates is still changing as we lead up to the primary on August 3rd. For an unofficial list of candidates visit http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/candlist/10PRI/10PRI_CL.HTM

To learn more about my picks, subscribe to my blog! You can also visit their respective websites by clicking on their highlighted names.