Oakland County targeted by Democrats against Knollenberg

Gary Peters' race against 8-term incumbent Joe Knollenberg is getting lots of attention at the national level from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Peters has been added to the Red to Blue program for Democrats who have the best chance to unseat incumbents. Peters and Mark Schauer have the best will be targeted with financial resources to help take out Republican incumbents. Michigan is one of the only states with two candidates in the Red to Blue program. Peters task is made a little harder, in that Knollenberg has a bigger war chest, but he has enthusiastic supporters in Michigan and across the country. If you want to help out with a little financial support of your own, CLICK HERE. Today is the reporting deadline for the campaign and Peters would appreciate your donation.

Knollenberg, Bishop and Garfield to attend Rochester Chamber Legislative Update meeting 4/11

It looks like Joe Knollenberg may finally come out of hiding and answer a few questions from the public. On April 11 he will attend the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Legislative update meeting at the OPC in Rochester and the topic will be health care. You can even submit questions in writing to the chamber ahead of time. I know I have a few questions for Joe. How about you? I hope Joe doesn't chicken out and send Shawn Ciavattone, like he did last year.

Rochester Chamber spotlights health care at April 11 Legislative
Update
Health care legislation will be the focus of a special Rochester
Regional Chamber of Commerce forum next month.

The event is the Chamber’s annual Legislative Update. It runs 8-10 a.m.
on Friday, April 11 at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive,
Rochester. Light refreshments will be served at 7:30 a.m.

Guest speakers at the Legislative Update, which is open to the public, are Congressman Joe Knollenberg, State Sen. Mike Bishop and State Rep. John Garfield. They will brief the audience on their respective areas of government and then tackle health care and health insurance matters. Audience members will be able to question the lawmakers following their updates.

“We hope the community joins us for this event,” says Sheri Heiney, the Chamber’s executive director. “The Legislative Update is a wonderful opportunity to hear and question our local legislators about the state of our government.”
People can also submit questions for Knollenberg, Bishop and Garfield to the Chamber by e-mailing Jennifer Fulton at jenniferf@rrc-mi.com.

9th District Call to Convention 4/19

CALL TO CONVENTION
Purpose: Select Delegates for the
National Convention in Denver
Saturday, April 19, 2008


Registration at 8:00 AM
Convention Starts at 10:00 AM

UAW Local 653 Hall
670 E. Walton Blvd., Pontiac 48340

To be eligible to vote or to be a candidate you must be a paid member of the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) as of February 28, 2008. Precinct Delegates, 2004 candidates, those elected to 4-year terms, and all candidates or those elected in 2006 may pay their dues at Registration on April 19th.

Gary Peters is out to win,for all of us. Kevorkian out for himself

Running as an independent, Jack Kevorkian won't win, but he could be a factor in a close race. Based on the stories in the papers yesterday, Kevorkian's only reasons for running are selfish ones. Gary Peters is out to help provide the change we need in Washington. I have no doubt Kevorkian is in to stay, given his quotes in the stories I've seen. I also believe the votes he does get will come from independents and Democrats. So, what do Democrats have to do to make sure Gary Peters is our representative, work even harder for Gary Peters to make sure the few thousand votes Kevorkian pulls from Peters are not the margin of victory for Joe Knollenberg. Every phone call, every door knocked, every dollar donated have to count. We have to make sure Gary's message gets out effectively by every method available.

How can you help? Click here to make a donation to Gary's campaign, NOW!

Parolee Kevorkian seeks seat in House
Assisted-suicide advocate to push forindividual rights

BY KATHLEEN GRAY • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER •

March 25,2008

"I have never been a political person. I have only voted once in mylife," he said, during a rambling news conference Monday in Southfieldin which he quoted a range of historical figures that included Alexis de Tocqueville and Frederick Douglass.

Kevorkian plans to run as an Independent candidatein the 9th Congressional District, for a seat that is held by U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Township.
Kevorkian promised to stay in officeonly two years if elected.

"I'm 79, almost 80," he said. "That's old."

His goal is to raise awareness of the Ninth Amendment, which says rights spelled out in the Constitution do not diminish rights that aren't specifically spelled out.

Young People Speaking Out Against the War

It's so great to see some young people get involved. Over 100 people gathered at Shain Park on Wednesday to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war. How many more have to die, Joe?
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GATHER TO PROTEST WAR IN IRAQ
'Give peace a chance'
By Jay M. Grossman
ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER

Meet Nolan Astrein, a bright young man with a vision for peace.

"I never thought that nearly a third of my life would be spent watching my country fight in a war," said the 16-year-old Seaholm High School student.

On Wednesday, he organized a candlelight vigil at Shain Park in Birmingham to mark the five-year anniversary of the Iraq war. Dozens showed up, young people and old, holding candles and carrying signs of peace.

"I don't know anyone who's been in the war," Astrein said. "But there's no telling how long this war could last ... and I realize in another time I would almost be at the perfect age for the draft."

The time he's referring to was the Vietnam war, a conflict his father opposed many decades ago.

"Back in the '60s he protested Vietnam," he said about his father, Gary Astrein, 57. "He's never imposed any of his views on me, but he always told me what he thought about things."

His own search for peace began three or four weeks ago, when he searched the Web site moveon.org for a local vigil to attend.

"I noticed there were none in the area, so I decided to do one on my own," he said. "At first it was just for other students, but then I posted something and within days a bunch of people wrote back and said they planned on attending."

Growing up in Birmingham in the heart of Oakland County, Astrein realizes there are very few people from this wealthy enclave who enlisted to fight. At the same time, he believes a majority from this area support the cause.

"The percentage of people from Oakland County who are fighting overseas is so low," he said. "Very few have siblings or cousins over there ... but it's not a good excuse. We should all be aware of the war."

It's a battle he opposes, a conflict he feels is senseless.

"This needs to be quickly brought to an end," Astrein said. "Bringing home all the troops in one day would be dramatic - but it should end in a year."

jgrossman@hometownlife.com | (248) 901-2529

Oakland Commissioners to revisit Health Division fees

Here's the story on the Oakland County Health Department fee increase that I wrote about yesterday. I wasn't in the committee meeting, which I'm sure was more interesting than the commission meeting. Next time I'll know to take my camera into the committee meeting, which are also public. It looks again like the Democrats are watching out for those in Oakland county that are on the lower end of the income spectrum and the Republicans just don't give a damn.

Oakland County Commissioners Meeting 3/20

To be honest, today was pretty boring. It seems like all the real interesting stuff must occur in the committee meetings.

Just a couple little tidbits. First, there was a resolution to support the AARP's Divided We Fail effort. You've probably seen the commercials on TV, with the little kids saying they won't vote for candidates that don't have plans to solve the health care crisis in America or the financial security problem. Well, the resolution passed 22-1. The only commissioner voting against the resolution, Bob Gosselin from Troy. I don't know what his deal is, but I don't pretend to understand the lizard brain of Republicans.

The Divided We Fail Movement asks people to:

• Vote for candidates who will ensure tha tall Americans have access to affordable, quality health care.
• Vote for candidates who will ensure all Americans have peace of mind about their lifetime financial security.
• Vote for candidates who are specific about what they'll do and how, and who stop speaking in generalities.
  

Bob Gosselin (R-Troy) Today's Worst Oakland County Commissioner in the World

Also today there was a plan to increase fees charged by the Oakland County Health Department. There was a bipartisan agreement that had been worked out but when it came up for a vote of the full commission it didn't pass. Eileen Kowall was overheard saying in committee during recess of the full commission, that her husband would be upset if she voted for increasing fees, so she couldn't vote for the plan.

Finally, Oakland County's Young People Show Up for Peace

All of us Vietnam era protesters were ecstatic to see a group of young people take to the streets for peace. Nolan Astrein organized a vigil in Shain Park last night and close to 100 people showed up, along with Fox 2 News and the Oakland Press. Way to go Nolan.

Regional Chamber Opposes Recalls

It's not often I agree with a political position taken by the Detroit Regional Chamber, but today is an exception. Trying to recall politicians for taking a stand is ridiculous, especially when it was on something as important as saving Michigan from the poorhouse. Congratulations to the Detroit Regionals Chamber for opposing recalls of mostly Democratic legislators for doing what needed to be done.

The cost of the war in Iraq in Oakland County

Below are the pictures of the 18 young men from your district that died fighting the disaster of a war in Iraq. 18 families whose sons will never return, because George W. Bush, sent them to war based on a lie. Some will say the level of violence is down since we sent more troops. But the purpose of the so-called surge was to allow for political reconciliation, which has not happened, even according to General Petraeus.

Now, not only has the war ruined our reputation around the world, but it has come home to roost in the steep decline in our economy and is wreaking havoc here at home. When is enough enough? When will our troops come home? It's time for the Republican party to be removed from elected office so that responsible leaders can bring our young men and women home to their families and take care of their needs, physical and mental. Enough!

In Case You Missed Obama's Speech Today

Kevorkian coverage over the top

This is getting ridiculous. I guess the Kevorkian story was a novelty, but giving this guy as much press as he's received when there is a real race between Gary Peters and Joe Knollenberg is over the top. Kevorkian has never held elective office and has no experience in raising money, putting together an organization, gathering volunteers, and all the aspects of a real campaign. How about asking him his views on the war, the economy, the foreclosure crisis, now the debt crisis in general. I haven't seen one piece of responsible journalism on this story. Has Kevorkian done anything other than pick up a piece of paper at the Clerk's office?

Oakland County Year of the Woman

Will Lawrence, Cooper lead 'year of the woman'?
By Pat Murphy
ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER

When political pundits speak of the "Year of the Woman," voters usually think Hillary Clinton - even though Barack Obama holds the lead in the race for the Democratic presidential nominee.

But with the May 13 filing deadline less than two months away, it looks like 2008 could be the year of the woman in Oakland County as well.

At least half of the candidates for the top political jobs in Oakland County will be women in the Aug. 5 primary or the Nov. 4 general election.

"It's about time, don't you think?" said Jessica Cooper, the former Oakland Circuit judge running as a Democrat for prosecutor, where incumbent Republican David Gorcyca is not seeking re-election.

Cooper lives in Beverly Hills and was a judge in the Southfield-based 46th District Court from 1977 until 1986, when she became an Oakland circuit judge. She resigned that post in 2000, and currently practices law from her office in Bingham Farms.

Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, who is expected to announce her candidacy for county executive on April 1, also thinks it's time for new ideas and fresh thinking. As a Democrat, Lawrence would be challenging incumbent L. Brooks Patterson, a Republican.

It was a Republican, Ruth Johnson who in 2004 became the first woman to be elected county clerk/register of deeds in recent history.

"I'm definitely running again," said Johnson, who broke the gender barrier by defeating incumbent William Caddell in the GOP primary.

Clerk/register of deeds is one of the most important and influential elected positions in county government. The others, in addition to executive, are sheriff, prosecutor, treasurer and drain commissioner - currently held by Republicans Patterson, Michael Bouchard, David Gorcyca, Patrick Dohany and John McCulloch, respectively.

Women have held one or two of those positions briefly, said Tracy Warner, spokesperson for the clerk's office. But generally men have dominated those elected positions for decades, according to county records.

Neither Cooper, Lawrence nor Johnson thinks being a woman is - or should be - the main qualification for holding public office.

"There's no substitute for experience or qualifications," said the clerk.

But they also know times have changed.

"It's a different ball game," Johnson said. Many voters want elected officials to reflect the general population when it comes to age, ethnic background, gender and occupation, she said.

"And I think more people want to get involved in public service," Johnson said.

A complete list of candidates who have filed nominating petitions - or paid the $100 filing fee as an alternative - is available in the election division of the clerk's Web site, www.oakgov.com/clerkrod.

When it comes to the races for county commission in the 21st District (Berkley, Lathrup Village and northeast Southfield) three candidates, all Democrats, have filed. They are Kyrian Nwagwu of Lathrup Village and Roy Bell and Charles Robinson, both of Southfield.

The three are vying to succeed Vincent Gregory who is running for the state representative position currently held by Paul Condino.

No one has filed in the 23rd District (most of Southfield) nobody has yet filed to challenge incumbent Democrat Eric Coleman, who said he was filing for re-election Friday afternoon.

Oakland Press Letters address Bush/Knollenberg Political Terrorism

Sunday's Oakland Press included two letters to the editor urging Democrats to stand up to the political terrorism of the Bush regime.

Democrats v. Republicans on protecting your civil liberties

This 6:46 minute clip highlights the difference between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats stand up for our civil liberties and Republicans are willing to sell our civil liberties down the river.

Joe wants to let George listen to your conversations and read your e-mail

The FISA vote occured just moments ago. Of course, Joe Knollenberg voted against the bill without immunity for the telecom companies, and by extension immunity for the George W. Bush regime. However, even without Joe's vote, the bill passed without immunity, 213-197. Joe is on the wrong side again.

It's ok for George W. Bush to break the law and invade our privacy, according to Joe Knollenberg. Way to go, Joe. According to Joe, treasonous acts, like outing a CIA agent is OK, reading our e-mail is OK, tapping our phones is OK, even though all these things can be done legally, Joe Knollenberg thinks George W. Bush and his fellow criminals at the CIA and the NSA should be able to violate our civil liberties at will. We can be safe and not give up our civil liberties, but Joe Knollenberg thinks we don't deserve civil liberties.

It's time for Joe to go.

Det. News - Lack of Health Care Deadly

Lack of health coverage is deadly in Michigan

Kimberly Hayes Taylor / The Detroit News

At least two working-age Michiganians die each day because they don't have health insurance, according to a report released Thursday.

The report, Dying for Coverage in Michigan, released by Families USA, a Washington, D.C., health advocacy group, indicates at least 650 Michiganians died in 2006 and that between 2000 and 2006, at least 4,200 Michiganians ages 25-64 died simply because they lacked health insurance.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, who is pushing for health care reform, called the issue "the most critical challenge facing us today."

It's unacceptable and immoral," she said.

The uninsured die sooner because they are four times less likely to have regular care than their insured neighbors, the report says. Also, the uninsured are 30 percent less likely to have a regular checkup in the past year and are more likely to be diagnosed with a disease in an advanced stage.

"This is a wake-up call for all of us that we have got to make a commitment for universal health care coverage and access in this country," Stabenow added.

While Rob Fowler, chairman of the Lansing-based nonprofit Michigan Health Insurance Access Advisory Council, agrees the report is a call to action, he believes it's not necessarily a call for universal health care.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the story

Oakland Democratic Politics Quoted in New York Times

My entry from yesterday about Jack Kevorkian filing to be a candidate for Congress from the 9th Congressional District got notice by the New York Times.

March 12, 2008, 3:02 pm

A Kevorkian Candidacy in Michigan?

By Mike Nizza

Dr. Jack Kevorkian walking to freedom last June. (Pool photo by Carlos Osorio.)

Having sworn off the death machine he invented, Dr. Jack Kevorkian has apparently decided to cast his lot with the ballot box by running for Congress. The news that practically satirized itself was reported by a local paper in Michigan, The Oakland Press, which spotted him picking up petitions from the county clerk:

“I plan to,” Kevorkian said Tuesday afternoon. “I wouldn’t do this otherwise. We need some honesty and sincerity instead of corrupt government in Washington.”

Kevorkian said he would have more to say about his candidacy next week. “Everything’s in a formative stage,” he said.

Perhaps sensing voter aversion to partisan politics these days (or the local Democrats’ and Republicans’ aversion to him), Mr. Kevorkian has decided on an independent run, the report said. He’ll need 3,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

Even local political junkies were shocked. Bruce Fealk, whose blog aims to collect “all your Oakland County Political News in one place,” completed a double take with the rest of us. “Now, I have to admit, I didn’t see this one coming,” he wrote.

Kevorkian Planning run in 9th

Now, I have to admit, I didn't see this one coming. Jack Kevorkian apparently is planning to run for Congress in the 9th Congresional District. I wonder how much press beyond this article in the Oakland Press Kevorkian will get and is he planning on running as an independent or as a Democrat? I don't see him challenging Knollenberg as a Republican, given his views on assisted suicide, although that would be a hoot if he did run as a Republican.

Carl Levin talks to Fox 2 News at Pasta Night about Michigan Primary Situation

Senator Carl Levin talks to Fox 2 News about the Michigan primary situation. It looks like the powers that be are leaning toward a mail-in ballot with the additional capability to vote on the Internet.

Oakland County Dems Honor Aldo Vagnozzi

The Oakland County Democratic Party Pasta Night to honor state representative Aldo Vagnozzi was a huge success. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow honored Aldo, as did many other elected officials from Oakland county. The hightlight of the evening though was Aldo himself. His speech was full of stories of his long career in politics and Aldo's unique brand of humor. Also started out by saying, "You're probably wondering how long I'm going to talk. As Elizabeth Taylor used to tell her husbands, 'I won't keep you long.'"

Thanks to everyone on the committee for putting together another rousing success for Oakland County Democrats. There was so much excitement in the room. Democrats can't wait to get to work to make sure we have a Democratic Congress and a new Democratic president inaugurated in January of 2009. We certainly can't afford a third Bush term with John McBush.

VIDEO: Carl Levin on This Week talking about Michigan's primary situation

Carl Levin appeared on This Week with George Stephanopolous talking about Michigan's primary and the resolution to seating Michigan's delegates.

Troy Democrats to host panel on Governing Oakland County

Dems to hear panel March 19

Oakland County Commissioner Tim Burns, R-Clawson, will moderate a panel discussion Wednesday, March 19, on "Governing Oakland County," featuring a trio of speakers from the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

Hosted by the Troy Democratic Club, the panel will begin at 8 p.m., preceded by a 7 p.m. club business meeting, at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois (east of I-75, north of Big Beaver/16 Mile Road).

Panelists include: Brenda Lawrence, mayor of Southfield; Andy Meisner, state representative; Jessica Cooper, Bingham Farms attorney and former judge in the Michigan Court of Appeals, Oakland County Circuit Court and 46th District Court. These area leaders will speak about their vision for the future in Oakland County. The meeting is open to the public. Admission is free.

Democrat takes House seat formerly held by Dennis Hastert

In a stunning development, Bill Foster (D)defeated Jim Oberweis (R). The NRCC invested 20% of its cash on hand trying to retain this seat and failed. Why am I mentioning this here? Because it bodes well for Gary Peters defeating Republican Congressman Joe Knollenberg. Oakland county is a 50/50 district and trending more Democratic every election cycle.

568 of 568 Precincts Reporting - 100%

Bill Foster (D): 53% (52,010)
Jim Oberweis (R): 47% (46,988)

Chris Van Hollen, chair of the DCCC, sent the following statement via e-mail last night.

"Congratulations to Bill Foster on his victory tonight. Bill Foster’s victory in the seat that was held by Speaker Hastert sends a political shock wave across America this election year. It is a stunning rejection of the Bush Administration, its Republican allies, and presidential nominee John McCain. Republican candidates learned tonight that Senator McCain, who campaigned with the Republican nominee, cannot save them from defeat this November against strong Democratic challengers, even in districts that voted overwhelmingly for President Bush.

"Despite spending 20 percent of the their cash on hand, the NRCC was unable to hold a seat easily won by President Bush and held by Speaker Hastert for 20 years. Americans of all political stripes are rejecting Republicans’ divisive, status quo politics and turning to Democratic candidates for change. I am grateful to Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Barack Obama, and the Illinois Democratic delegation and candidates for encouraging the people of this district to vote for change by supporting Bill Foster.

"Voters of all political stripes responded to Bill Foster’s commitment to change. With his unique background as a respected scientist and a successful businessman, Bill Foster will be a tremendous asset to our Democratic Caucus, as we continue fighting to strengthen our economy and ease the squeeze on America’s struggling middle class families."

Governor Jennifer talks with Steve Courteney at WJR

Governor Jennifer Granholm discusses Michigan's recent being named one of the best run states in the country and the Michigan primary situation.

Click here to listen to the interview.

Mark Brewer talks about the Michigan Primary with Frank Beckmann

Mark Brewer talks to WJR's Frank Beckmann about the Michigan primary situation.

Click here to listen.

L. Brooks Patterson on Frank Beckmann

In this interview with Frank Beckmann, L. Brooks Patterson comes out in favor of the tax being proposed by State Senator Gilda Jacobs, to fund the Detroit Zoo.
Click here to listen to the interview. Republicans seem to be wising up to the fact that it costs money if we want to maintain our roads and keep our cultural gems open and benefiting the public.

CNN Reports on MI and FL Primary negotiations

Michigan and Florida's primary situation takes front and center in the battle for the Democratic nomination. Today on CNN Wolf Blitzer covered the situations.

Jon Stewart on the Michigan and Florida Primaries

Jon Stewart's takes on the Michigan and Florida Primary situations.

Oakland County Commissioners Meeting Report

I attended my first Oakland County Commissioners Meeting since starting the Oakland Democratic Politics blog. It's simply amazing to watch the obstructionist Republican at play at the local level. My favorite obstructionist is my very own commissioner, Sue Ann Douglas. Commissoner Douglas has been on the commission for 15 years, which in my opinion, is 15 years too long. It's too bad she lives in a safe Republican commission seat. If the residents of Rochester and Rochester Hills knew how she voted and how much of an obstructionist Sue Ann is, they might even vote her out office.

Today was a good example. Helaine Zack (D) introduced a resolution to support legislation being introduced by State Senator Gilda Jacobs to allow counties to set up commissions to oversee any monies that Oakland county may allocate to the Detroit Zoo, should a millage for that purpose be adopted by the voters.

The vote was 18-4, with all four no votes coming from the Republican side of the aisle, including Sue Ann Douglas. It seems even most Republicans on the Commission recognize the value of the zoo to the community and the wisdom of Zack's resolution in support of Senator Jacobs legislation.

Sue Ann Douglas, Today's Worst Oakland County Commissioner in the World (OK, so I borrowed the idea from Keith Olbermann)

The Oakland Press coverage of the story

Recall efforts creating a distraction

Just what we need, more unnecessary distraction in Lansing. As if things aren't bad enough already. Both sides seem to have agreed that recalls are just plain silly, especially when funds are being expended to recall a term limited representative, like Aldo Vagnozzi.

John Ashcraft on Superdelegates

John Ashcraft, Treasurer of the Oakland County Democratic Party was interviewed on how Michigan's superdelegates will affect the outcome of the selection of the Democratic nominee.

State Government B+ overall, improves in 3 out of 4 areas

State's services score high in report

National review shows government has improved despite budget troubles.

Detroit News staff and wire reports

LANSING -- Despite an economic downturn and last year's budget crisis, Michigan has scored a higher ranking among Midwestern states, according to a national assessment of state government performance.

In a "Grading the States 2008" report card, expected to be released today in partnership with the Pew Center on the States' Government Performance Project and Governing magazine, Michigan received a B-plus overall. The state improved in three of four categories in the past three years.

"Year in, year out, we want to ensure that we are spending tax dollars efficiently and in a way that provides services citizens need and depend upon," Gov. Jennifer Granholm said in a statement to be released today. "We appreciate the recognition that even in tight budget times, we have made improvements in the way we operate state government."

"The surprise in Michigan is the strength and suppleness of much of its management, in both good times and bad," the report said. It called the state's Web site a national model. It also said the state has done a good job of monitoring state roads. "Michigan is one of the best examples that ... it's possible to manage well even in the most difficult of times," said Neal Johnson, the report's director.

The grades came after the report's authors interviewed dozens of state workers in each state and looked at more than 12,000 pieces of data.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the story

Randy Young announces for John Garfield's Seat

House race to replace Garfield is under way
By Annette Kingsbury
ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER

The contest to succeed term-limited John Garfield as state representative for the 45th District is shaping up.

So far, one Republican and one Democrat have announced they are running for the seat. Both live in the city of Rochester. The election is in November.

Copper Rizzo, 23, a district coordinator for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, formed his candidate committee last year and has already raised nearly $8,000. He plans to make a formal announcement Wednesday and will take a leave of absence from Bishop's staff to campaign.

Democrat Randy Young announced last week that he will also run for the seat. A teacher at Macomb Community College, Young, 48, is also a partner with his wife, Diane, in The Athena Group, a Rochester-based financial business.

The House district covers Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Young said he thinks a Democrat can win the seat, although the territory is considered largely Republican.

"I don't think a Democratic candidate has really put forth an effort to any large degree to run a winning campaign," he said. "I think it's wide open."

He also said he thinks voters are ready for a change.

"Like a lot of voters, I have not been happy with some of what's been going on in Lansing, especially, for example, the budget fiasco last year."

Rizzo is a 2003 Adams High School graduate who attended Michigan State University. He was recently appointed to the Rochester Historical Commission and served as campaign treasurer in the successful Hills City Council campaign of Vern Pixley. Rizzo's own campaign treasurer is Rochester Councilman Jeff Cuthbertson. Young grew up in Sterling Heights. He earned a bachelor's degree at Oakland University and two master's degrees in coastal oceanography at Stony Brook University in New York. He is a longtime board member of the Clinton River Watershed Council and serves on the Oakland County Solid Waste Planning Commission.

akingsbury@hometownlife.com (248) 651-7575, Ext. 17

Study Shows Born Again Christians favor Democrats

This is a very interesting poll. Check it out.

Democrats.org has a post called "Study: Born Again Christians Favor Democratic Candidates" that's worth checking out...

Last month, a number of leading figures in the evangelical community wrote to the major polling and news media political directors about exit polling methodology that left out persons of faith from Democratic figures. DNC Chief of Staff Leah Daughtry...

Dems benefit from record youth turnout

This is one of the best pieces of news I've seen in a long time. I just hope that the young people that have engaged in this election cycle actually show up to vote in November.

Dems benefit from record youth turnout
Candidates use Web to grab, hold interest

BY KATHLEEN GRAY • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • March 1, 2008

TOLEDO -- Ben Cohen admits he has been a little obsessive this year, but not about the usual things that preoccupy most 23-year-olds.

At every free moment, Cohen is at his computer keyboard, checking out Web sites about the presidential race.

"I'm reading everything I can get my hands on," said Cohen, a jazz musician who does gigs in local bars. "It's almost like they're tabloid celebrities or something."

The prospect of a change from President George W. Bush's presidency is driving Cohen. "There's such potential," he said, adding that he didn't feel that in 2004.

Last weekend, Cohen prepared for the important vote he'll cast Tuesday in Ohio's Democratic presidential primary by attending rallies in Toledo for Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Voters younger than 30 are having a big impact on presidential campaigning this year. Exit polls reveal that they're voting in unprecedented numbers, and Democrats -- especially Obama -- are benefiting.

Obama, the 46-year-old Illinois senator who could seal the Democratic nomination with wins in Ohio and Texas, is driving much of the enthusiasm. He has geared his campaign to not only appeal to young people but to get them to vote.

"Everybody is tired after the last seven years and hoping for a change. And there's so much hope in his message," said Janell Scott, 24, a resident of Columbus, Ohio, who drove nearly three hours to see Obama in Toledo on Sunday.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the story.