Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

       Not even a week after the campaign's Right to Work announcement, national media attention has focused in on our campaign. Here's an article from the Wall Street Journal that talks about how this issue has changed the race and could "catapult Bouchard to the nomination"...

In Michigan, the Unions Are Losing
By Stephen Moore – The Wall Street Journal

GRAND RAPIDS – Michigan is one big industrial state in the Midwest where Republicans think they can win the governorship in November. Voters are suffering from what many here call “Granholm fatigue” — eight years of Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm aggravated by an unemployment rate now topping 14%.

The Michigan GOP primary is crowded and tight with contenders. Right now the latest polling has Mike Bouchard, the sheriff of Oakland County, in a tie with Congressman Pete Hoekstra at 19%. Mike Cox, the attorney general, is at 15%. Rick Snyder, a businessman, is at 12%. Last week, though, Mr. Bouchard made a play to separate himself from the pack going into the Aug. 3 vote. He endorsed a plan to make Michigan, one of the most union-dominated states in the nation, a right-to-work state. That means union membership and paying union dues would no longer be a requirement for getting certain jobs.

A political pro in Michigan tells me that right-to-work is “enormously popular with Republican primary voters.” I’m also told that the issue so resonates with conservative and independent voters that it could even single-handedly “catapult Bouchard to the nomination.” Backers of the idea note that former NBAer Dave Bing won the mayor’s race in Detroit by promising to take on the public employee unions. “Companies are going elsewhere and taking their jobs and our kids with them,” Mr. Bouchard said in announcing his position. He added: “Someone shouldn’t be forced to join a union to get a job.”

Already conservative groups are applauding the gutsy decision by Mr. Bouchard. Scott Hagerstrom of Michigan Americans for Prosperity says: “This is definitely a pro-growth reform for us. Michigan is the historical center of union power in the country.” An AFP study finds that since 1990 right-to-work states have grown jobs at twice the pace of forced-unionization states.

Some see the move as politically risky because of labor’s historic muscle in the state. “The union bosses will probably come after me,” admits Mr. Bouchard. But labor’s influence is dwindling because voters increasingly see heavy-handed union strategies as a reason for Michigan’s job losses. Even on the Democratic side, the union chokehold in the Wolverine State is waning. Labor’s handpicked gubernatorial choice, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, is losing in the polls to Michigan Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon, who has made waves by challenging the union’s power in the state.

Crowning Moments

18 days until the Primary! Since my dad announced his candidacy last June the time seems to have literally flown by. So much has happened—we have met so many wonderful people, witnessed the change of issues facing Michigan and, in turn, spread the message of my dad’s policies to address those issues. These last few days have been especially eventful and I admit to being a bad blogette for not posting sooner. So lets begin at last Friday, the Miss USA Gala! I had such a wonderful time—Rima looked so beautiful and the energy was on a total high. I couldn’t find any pictures of us on the “Pink Carpet” but here are a couple from the evening. Check out my dad’s white jacket (that I helped pick out!) inspired by some classic Humphrey Bogart Hollywood glam.

The iGroup, lead by Tony DiMambro, helped transform the hotel into a posh atmosphere perfect for people to dance, mix and mingle, and munch on sweets from the Cupcake Station and Swirlberry. I had the great pleasure to meet Molly MacDonald from The Pink Fund and hear about her organization, which the gala was benefiting. The Pink Fund gives temporary financial aid to men and women suffering from Breast Cancer so they can focus the fight on the disease rather than finances. I was thrilled when Molly asked me to be an honorary Pink Fund ambassador and will support the project proudly! I also met talented local designer Katerina Bocci whose couture confections, modeled by her lovely daughter, wowed the crowd. We have so much talent in Michigan and the Gala only reaffirmed that fact. My dad said a few quick words to congratulate Rima, who he had previously worked with on a Women’s Self Defense Program last year, and wish her the best of luck in the upcoming Miss Universe contest.

When Friday’s activities finally wound to a close it was well into the early hours of Saturday. We took more of a nap that a night’s rest to be up by 5 am to catch a plane heading to beautiful Traverse City for the close of the Cherry Festival. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a day of “retail politics” along the parade route as we met voters and discussed our campaign platform. The response was more than encouraging as just about everyone declared how eager they are to elect a candidate like Mike Bouchard as Governor to get things done and change the course of our state. For Southeast voters, the final Republican debate Tuesday night was a prime time televised opportunity to hear each candidate’s platform in the forum moderated by Devin Scillian.

Speaking during the rally with Terry Lynn Land
and L. Brooks Patterson

Before the debate, held at Oakland University, a couple hundred people gathered at the Recreation Center across campus to eat some delicious Noodles and Co. pasta, rally for a Bouchard/Land administration and pump up my dad before the debate. When he walked into the room, greeted by a thunder of applause, cheers and FOX News cameras, he looked around at all the supporters and there was a moment when you could visibly see the passion of the people ignite a fire in his eyes. It was as if the long and tiring year-plus of campaigning was nothing but a walk in the park. We all have those snapshots of memories that are forever imprinted in your mind. For me, that will last as a timeless example of hard work well worth it. The night only got better as the debate began and turned into a very diverse discussion on a wide range of topics. Per usual—I thought my dad walked away with it but I wasn’t the only one! The poll on the WDIV website gave my dad an overwhelming victory…but see for yourself! If you missed it you can watch the debate here!

Finally, a big announcement came out of our campaign just recently. My dad took a firm stance on making Michigan Right to Work while simultaneously releasing a statewide ad on the subject. Check out the ad by clicking here. After looking at the facts and statistics about Right to Work versus non-Right to Work states, the evidence clearly shows that it has a contributing factor to unemployment. In order to become more competitive and revive our Michigan economy, we must allow people to get what they want—a job! As my dad says in his ad, “People want to work. Let’s give them the right to work.”  This issue has already brought in a wave of support from people all over the state that are eager to see Michigan once again become a thriving business environment. For more information on his position click the link above.

For now, the polls show us in a dead heat for first, the primary is days away and the wind is in our sails. All hands on deck! 

A banner we made for the rally where it was signed by supporters! 

What's your sign?

Happy Friday y'all!

Hope you've stayed cool in this week's heat; the campaign is sure heating up with just 25 days 'till the primary! I'm excited to say that today the headquarters received a huge shipment of yard signs!! Please come in and grab one to show the world you're apart of Team Bouchard! Our office is on the corner of Oak and Woodward in Birmingham--you won't miss the big sign or some of our office cuties putting the Bouchard colors together!

Here's another fun picture of some office art....

Tonight is the big Miss USA Gala and tomorrow we're heading up to Traverse City for the Cherry Festival parade! Eee! Very ready for the weekend!

Brought to you Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue

          Fireworks lighting up the sky, flags flying everywhere, parades, barbeques, sunburns, family, friends and country. What is not to love about the 4^th of July?! It’s the perfect opportunity to don your favorite sailor-looking outfit with a splash of red and enjoy a holiday in the sun. There has always been something about streets lined with our stars and stripes that gets me every year. If I could have it my way, the same enthusiasm of flag flying would exist all year round.

         From the time I was a little girl, our 4^th of July traditions have been pretty consistent and this year was no exception. Early mornings with an on-the-go breakfast to be quickly worked off through smiles and waves on multiple parade routes. My mom and I traveled over to Ypsilanti (stopping at some treasure-ridden yard sales on the way!) to walk with the Willow Run Tea Party, an awesome and energetic crowd very supportive of my dad and such fun to spend our time with! I especially loved our ride on the float after the parade ended as we broke out into spontaneous tunes that our banjo-extraordinaire most skillfully supplied. My dad, who I didn’t see until we met back on Sunday night, hit numerous Tea Party rallies, parades and meetings around the state on his own two-day circuit. 

When the family was once again reunited on Sunday, the campaign family joined us as well. My mom made an delicious dinner for the crew and we spent the night relaxing, recounting some memorable campaign stories and talking about the whirlwind that is the next couple of weeks. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This group is extraordinary. We get a lot of work done but have a great time doing it and that makes all the difference.

           This week was kicked off with another packed parade in Clawson Monday morning and then it was back to the grind! Should be an exciting next few days—I’m particularly looking forward to the Miss USA Gala this Friday night to personally congratulate our girl, Rima Fakih! The Gala is sure to combine glitz and glam “with a touch of pink” as it is benefiting The Pink Fund that supports the fight against Breast Cancer. Pictures to come! We’re also getting a huge order of yard signs in on Friday—stop in, say hi, and grab one while they’re hot!

xx

The Power of One.

            We have all heard the excuses. “I just couldn’t make it to the polls today”  “I don’t even know what’s on the ballot.” “It was raining!” or the worst of them all—“My vote doesn’t make a difference.” AH! Are you kidding? Your vote makes ALL the difference. So many things in the history of our world have been changed by one vote. Here are just a couple examples:

 In 1845, one vote brought Texas into the Union.

In 1868, one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment.

In 1875, one vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic.

In 1876, one vote gave Rutherford B. Hayes the presidency of the United States.

            I already applaud you for reading my blog—it means you are doing your research, following this campaign and becoming an informed voter for the August primary. Now, I challenge you to go one step further and spread the message to rock the vote. If you personally have not registered to vote, carve out some time in your day and visit the Secretary of States office. Ask your unregistered friends and family do the same! Not only will you leave happily knowing you are armed with the power and voice of a vote; but you will also see some pictures of the brilliant and beautiful lady that will be the next Lieutenant Governor, my dad’s running mate and current Secretary of State, Terri Lynn Land!

If you haven’t already guessed it, voting is something very important to me. The saying, “If you didn’t vote about it, you can’t complain about it” is something I live by. I will always respect a difference of informed opinions, but no opinion at all is a crime. Friends don’t let friends sit out. Here’s my call to you to get in the game and bring everyone you know with you! And how perfect that the first vote you can cast could be for Mike Bouchard, Republican candidate for governor!!

With my rant over, I will leave you with a quote from Alexander Woollcott,

“I'm tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work.  Of course it doesn't work.  We are supposed to work it.”

See you at the polls! 

Ps. In order to vote in the August 3^rd Primary election you must register 30 days in advance. Get in to the SOS office by tomorrow, July 3, loves!

West Side Story

Last Thursday the trail led us to Grand Rapids for another debate.  This debate featured only the boys from the Grand Old Party (minus Rick Snyder, of course, as he dropped out of all of the debates).  It was a fun ride over with Momma Bouchard as we rocked out to Queen (see this week's Trail Mix!) and sipped on McD’s Sweet Teas. After a 2 1/2 hour drive we got to the beautiful G. Rap campus of Grand Valley. Such a lovely school! As much as I love to brag about my Spartans, seeing other campuses around the state like GVSU, U of M, Hillsdale, OU, LSSU, Wayne State...(the list goes on!) makes me think how lucky we are to have such awesome higher ed schools right here in Michigan. Besides in-state tuition, who doesn’t love being able to come home to do laundry and eat a well-rounded meal every few weekends!

So back to the debate! We got there about an hour before show time to wish my dad a quick “good luck!”  We found him in true Mike Bouchard form, reviewing a few notes, looking as cool as a cucumber, while listening to Sly and the Family Stone “I Wanna Take You Higher” as a pregame warm-up. When we finally took our seats we realized that the staging of the debate was not conducive to quality sightlines for everyone in the audience (says the theatre major in me). In order to film the debate, they had the candidates stand on angle so they only faced half the audience but allowed for stronger camera shots. Sitting front row in the ‘I-can-hear-more-than-I-can-see’ section was a minor bummer but quickly revealed its perks as I met and struck up a conversation with Lauren George, Tom George’s daughter. I knew we would have a lot in common when she mentioned her love for all things vintage, but was very delighted to discover our mutual passion for the theatre! She just finished studying costume design at NYU, how cool! Every good actor knows, the designers are important to keep happy or you may walk onstage wearing some dreadful duds versus gorgeous garb! As Mrs. George remarked—how amazing would it be to one day work on the same project?! It was wonderful to talk to her.  Even though we are in different camps, we have a lot in common, most specifically that we want to get involved and make a difference in the future of our state!

The debate itself, broadcasted on WOOD TV, lasted an hour with continuous involvement from an online audience asking questions via facebook and twitter. At first, I thought it would be an interesting forum with some pretty original questions. As it went on, however, it became apparent the questions were too similar yielding a conversation that lacked as much diversity as I think voters unfamiliar with the candidates would have liked.  Overall though, I thought it was a decent debate, certainly more on topic than the last and without the attacks and fireworks. Who claimed the win? I would say my dad. That probably sounds predictable but I truly thought his answers were more substantive, to the point, and better articulated than the rest. My favorite moments happened during the mic test before the debate officially began and the cameras were rolling. The levels on my dad’s microphone needed the most adjustment and the unsuspecting audience soon witnessed some free standup comedy as he cracked jokes and lightened the mood before the heavy policy talk began. One woman mentioned how she loved to see that he had a good sense of humor to go along with his serious diplomatic side. I agree—I think that the next Governor needs to be someone that the people not only respect but also like. Michigan has endured political scandals for too long, as my dad would say, “it’s time for a Sheriff to clean things up!” 

Ciao Bella!

And the Pulitzer goes to....

Kristin Longley of the Flint Journal! 

...well that hasn't happened quite yet; but, Kristin did write a fabulous, in-depth profile on my dad that hit news stands Father's Day! Her inside perspective includes some adventures from the road, a huge collection of photos (three of which I posted), and a pancake breakfast at the Bouchard house with my mom and I. Read the article HERE! Don't you agree that Kristin should get a prize and my dad should get your vote?!  



Ps. Gubernatorial debate in Grand Rapids this Thursday on Wood TV. Tune in and cheer on!