Zoe Clark

Rick Pluta and I have been talking state politics on Fridays and today we take a look at Michigan's presidential primary, former West Michigan Congressman Pete Hoekstra's controversial TV ad, and Governor Rick Snyder's budget proposal.

Michigan Matters

This was a huge week for Rick Santorum which, in turn, meant it was a big week for Michigan politicos. Michigan and Arizona hold the nation’s next primaries on February 28 (Maine holds a caucus tomorrow). That means the Republican candidates will be looking to Michigan for their next win. On Wednesday, Santorum told MSNBC that, “we think Michigan is a great place for us to plant our flag and talk about jobs and manufacturing.” For Santorum, his campaign needs to continue the momentum before Super Tuesday (on March 6) to be considered a serious threat to Romney. Romney, meanwhile, needs a win in Michigan to stop Santorum's momentum. Newt Gingrich will be hoping for a win in Michigan, although it’s unlikely after Tuesday night’s results, and Ron Paul will hope for a decent showing in the mitten state.

“Will Romney win? That sure seems to be where the smart money goes. But are there opportunities to make sure it’s not a [Romney] domination? That opportunity does seem to exist,” Pluta explains. Pluta and I recently explored what some of those opportunities are.

The Super Bowl ad that had many saying, "huh?"

We couldn’t talk about the week’s political news without mentioning the controversy that continues over Republican Senatorial candidate Pete Hoekstra’s campaign ad that premiered last Sunday in which an Asian woman speaks in broken English. The ad was called “racially insensitive” and “xenophobic” and it’s even been parodied by the website FunnyOrDie.com. Now, the Hoekstra campaign is out with another ad, this time it doesn’t mention China. And, one of Hoekstra’s opponents in the Republican Senatorial primary, Clark Durant, premiered an ad of his own. “Durant saw an opportunity, decided not to wait to run his first ad of the campaign… and it’s a lot more positive [than the Hoekstra ad] and… the subtle message is, ‘we’re better than this,’” Pluta notes.

A kinder, gentler budget

Finally, Pluta and I take a look at the politics behind the budget proposal for fiscal year 2013 that was unveiled by the Governor yesterday at the state Capitol. Unlike last year, this year the budget is, “very, very different… It is a much kinder, gentler budget.”

Governor Rick Snyder spoke to Michigan Radio’s Jennifer White about his budget proposal for fiscal year 2013.

In the proposal are some funding increases for education, public safety and infrastructure.

Governor Snyder will present his budget proposal for the next fiscal year this morning at the state Capitol.

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley told Michigan Public Radio Network’s Laura Weber that he expects budget negotiations will go more smoothly this year than in recent years. ‘The reason why last year’s budget was difficult is because it actually did fix the structural problems that had plagued us for so long. And because we did all the hard work last year, it makes movement in a more positive direction where we can all grow and invest together,” Calley explained.

Details of the Governor's budget have started to leak out and here's what we know so far:

From the Detroit News:

Gov. Rick Snyder will propose investing an additional $45 million in public safety as part of his 2013 budget proposal... Snyder noted in his State of the State address in January that Michigan has four cities — Detroit, Flint, Pontiac and Saginaw — that regularly turn up on the nation's Top 10 list of most violent cities. The governor has promised to roll out a detailed crime-fighting strategy in a Special Message to the Legislature on Public Safety in March.

From the Associated Press:

A projected budget surplus means an estimated 37,000 state of Michigan workers represented by unions won't have to take furlough days this fiscal year. The unionized workers had been expected to take up to four furlough days each in the fiscal year that ends September 30th. The furlough days were announced last fall because unions did not reach an agreement on concessions with Governor Rick Snyder's administration.

Later in the day, the Governor will hold a virtual town hall meeting to discuss his budget. The AP reports:

Snyder was so happy with how his town hall meeting on Facebook went after last month's State of the State address that he's holding another one. This time the governor will take residents' questions just after he presents his 2012-13 budget proposal to lawmakers on Thursday. Viewers can watch the hour-long town hall meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the Rick Snyder for Michigan Facebook page.

You can submit questions at online at www.michigan.gov/townhall. Or, post questions on the Governor’s facebook page.

Presidential Candidates Turn Focus on Michigan

After Rick Santorum’s sweep of last night’s primary and caucuses in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado, the candidates running to become the next Republican presidential nominee are setting their sights on Michigan. The state holds the nation’s next primary, along with Arizona, on February 28th (Maine holds its caucus this Saturday). Mitt Romney’s campaign has announced that the former Massachusetts Governor will speak at Ford Field in Detroit four days before the primary and Santorum told a cable TV news program this morning that his campaign will “plant our flag” in the mitten-state. Meanwhile, President Obama was in Michigan on January 27th speaking about college affordability on the University of Michigan campus.

Foreclosure Settlement

Michigan is expected to reap a half billion dollars from a settlement between 40 states and five of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders, Steve Carmody reports. From Carmody:

Michigan has been among the hardest hit states in the foreclosure crisis. The settlement will help homeowners who were in foreclosure between 2008 and 2011. Bank of America, Ally Financial, Wells Fargo, J.P. Morgan Chase and Citigroup are the banks in the settlement. The deal will settle complaints the mortgage lenders wrongly foreclosed on borrowers and forged documents. Part of the deal involves helping homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth, to refinance their mortgages. The exact size of the national settlement is unclear.

Increased Sales Tax?

Michigan voters may soon decide whether the state should scrap the nineteen-cents-per-gallon tax on gas at the pump in favor of a sales tax increase of 1 percent. “The change would help generate more money for transportation funding. A proposal to put the question to voters is gaining momentum with some legislative leaders. That change would require a constitutional amendment and put the question to voters on the ballot. Republican state Senator Howard Walker sponsored the measure. He said if taxpayers are asked to pay more to fix the state’s roads, they should have a voice,” Laura Weber reports. Governor Snyder says the state needs more than one billion dollars in additional transportation funding to fix the state’s crumbling roads and bridges.

Headlines across the country are proclaiming big news from last night’s primary and caucuses in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado. Headlines like Santorum revives his campaign with wins and Santorum’s Sweep Shakes up Race make it clear: Rick Santorum had a pretty darn good Tuesday night. The former U.S. Senator won all three states in play.

Although, no delegates were assigned, Santorum has something else: momentum. “Together, the three states voting Tuesday will eventually award 128 delegates. But Missouri was a ‘beauty contest’ with no delegates at stake, while Minnesota and Colorado were nonbinding events with delegates to be chosen this spring. At stake Tuesday night was the prestige of winning. And Santorum nailed down three upsets to restore an air of viability to his candidacy,” the Washington Post explains. The Post continues:

Santorum’s wins across the Midwest Tuesday could bestow new legitimacy on his insurgent efforts and boost his fundraising in the critical period before nextmonth’s major contests. Santorum now appears to pose a more serious threat not only to Romney, but also to Gingrich, who had been positioning himself as the logical alternative to Romney.

 

Republican Congressman Mike Rogers represents Michigan’s 8th district. He also serves as the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

Recently, he held the annual Open Hearing on Worldwide Threats Facing the U.S. Congressman Rogers spoke to Michigan Radio's Jennifer White.

Open Meetings for EM

An Ingham County Court Judge has ruled that the state review team currently looking into Detroit’s finances must meet in public. Sarah Cwiek reports:

The ruling is a victory for opponents of Public Act 4, the state law that strengthens the powers of emergency managers in fiscally-distressed cities. The review team, led by State Treasurer Andy Dillon, is going through the review process that could lead Governor Snyder t0 appoint an emergency manager in Detroit. It’s also a victory for Robert Davis, the Highland Park school board member and union activist who filed the lawsuit just last week. Davis argued that the state review process preceding the appointment of an emergency manager violated the Open Meetings Act, because the review team meets behind closed doors.

Moroun Court Update

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that Wayne County Circuit Judge Prentis Edwards was, “within his rights to send the owner of the Ambassador Bridge to jail for disregarding court orders but should have made it clear what steps the 84-year-old billionaire businessman could take to win his freedom,” the Associated Press reports. On January 12th, Judge Edwards ordered, Manuel “Moroun and associate Dan Stamper to jail for repeatedly failing to follow his orders to work with the state and complete a redevelopment project on the Detroit side of the bridge to Windsor, Ontario. The appeals court ordered them freed pending its ruling. Edwards holds another hearing Thursday,” the AP explains.

Hutaree Jury Selection

Jury selection is scheduled to begin today in the case of members of a Christian militia group accused of plotting attacks on Michigan police officers. “Members of the Hutaree Militia are accused of plotting to murder a police officer. Then attack the officer’s funeral procession, in order to kill more law enforcement officers. Authorities arrested nine members of the group in March  2010,” Steve Camordy reports. The trial is expected to last six to ten weeks.

Former West Michigan Congressman Pete Hoekstra wants to be your next Senator. He’s currently running in the GOP primary to try and unseat Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow. Hoekstra’s campaign premiered a controversial ad yesterday that’s being called, “xenophobic,” “racially-insensitive” and a “mistake;” Hoekstra calls the ad, in which a young Chinese woman speaks broken English and thanks Senator Stabenow (in the ad, Stabenow is referred to as “Senator Spend-it-now") for helping the Chinese economy, “aggressive.”

As the political pundits are debating whether or not the ad is detrimental to the Hoekstra campaign – one thing is for sure: China-bashing is nothing new in Michigan.

While Rick Pluta, Lansing Bureau Chief for the Michigan Public Radio Network, and I usually talk state politics on Fridays, we just couldn’t ignore this story. So, take a listen as we dissect the ad and take a look back at past political ads that have targeted various politicians and their relationships with China.

And, for some visuals,  here are a few attack ads from the 2006 Michigan gubernatorial campaign:

Homes Sales Prices Plunging

Michigan home sellers saw prices drop significantly in the last three months and one analyst predicts it’s a trend that shows few signs of stopping, Steve Carmody reports. “Clear Capitol reports Michigan home sale prices between October to January dropped by 5.3% compared to a year ago. And the overall trend is even worse. Alex Villacorta, director of Research and Analytics at Clear Capitol, says home sale prices in Detroit were down nearly 12 percent… Villacorta says other markets around the country hit hard by the foreclosure crisis are showing signs of recovery,” Carmody reports.

Open Meetings?

A hearing is planned for today over a lawsuit that claims the state-appointed team that’s reviewing Detroit’s finances should be subject to the state’s Open Meetings Act, the Associated Press reports. From the AP:

The lawsuit was filed by Robert Davis, a Highland Park school board member and union staff representative with AFSCME Council 25. He says the Detroit review team violated the Open Meetings Act by meeting in "secret." Gov. Rick Snyder's administration says the financial review teams aren't subject to the Open Meetings Act. The Detroit review team is expected to report to Snyder by month's end.

Chrysler, Detroit Ad Gets Some Love

Chrysler premiered a powerful new advertisement last night during last night's Super Bowl. Actor Clint Eastwood narrated the two minute ad that promotes a Detroit comeback. From the Detroit News:

For the second year, Chrysler took a chance, skipping traditional auto marketing to focus on a broader message to stand out and create buzz in a Super Bowl jammed with auto ads from a dozen automakers… Chrysler's halftime ad featured Eastwood talking about the challenges the U.S. faces — a follow-up to last year's ‘Born of Fire’ ad that featured Eminem and Detroit's struggles and has been seen more than 21 million times on YouTube. It coined the phase "Imported from Detroit" and sparked a surge of pride in the Motor City.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Pete Hoesktra's campaign aired a new television ad against incumbent Senator Debbie Stabenow last night during the Super Bowl. In the 30 second ad, a young woman of Asian decent speaks in broken English and calls Stabenow, "Debbie Spend-it-now."

The Associated Press reports that the ad is, "bringing charges of racial insensitivity. GOP consultant Nick De Leeuw flat-out scolded the Holland Republican for the ad calling it 'appalling.' De Leeuw opposes Democrat Stabenow's re-election but adds that "racism and xenophobia" aren't the way to go. Hoekstra's Facebook page says that those "trying to make this an issue of race demonstrates their total ignorance of job creation policies."

In the ad, the young woman says," Thank you Michigan Senator Debbie Spenditnow. Debbie spends so much American money. You borrow more and more from us. Your economy get very weak. Ours get very good. We take your jobs. Thank you, Debbie Spenditnow."

Though the ad aired during the Super Bowl less than 12 hours ago, in this age of instant web-based reaction, political pundits and reporters have already written dozens of articles about the spot:

• Politico: Hoekstra's Super ad buy: 1st and long
• Real Clear Politics: Hoekstra Super Bowl ad raises sensitivity question
• The Atlantic: Superbowl Special! My Nominee for Most Revolting Ad
  

On Fridays, Rick Pluta, Lansing Bureau Chief for the Michigan Public Radio Network, and I have been taking a look at state politics, we’ve been trying to dig a little deeper beneath the week's political news. And, it sure seemed like one story, in particular, was making all the headlines this week.  Headlines like, “Romney Rebounds with Victory in Florida,” and, “Where Has the Newt-Mentum Gone?”

Just like Star Wars… (Well, sort of)

This week’s 2012 GOP Presidential primary storyline got us thinking about that classic scene from Stars Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi where Princess Leia and Han Solo have been captured by Jabba the Hutt and Luke Skywalker tries to come to their rescue. Things don’t go as planned and Luke ends up captured, too. Trying to gauge the severity of the situation Han asks Luke, “How are we doing?” Luke answers, “The same as always.” Han, with his characteristically dry sense of humor, responds, “that bad, huh?”

“Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and crew sort of made us think of Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul, coming into the Michigan primary – which is now just about three weeks away – and Gingrich almost seems to be in a position of ‘now, I’ve got them exactly where I want them.’ You know, he’s an underdog, the odds are stacked against him… what Gingrich, Santorum and Paul all seem to be fighting is this aura of inevitability that is surrounding Romney,” Pluta explains.

Okay, so maybe it’s not an exact parallel but Pluta and I, at least, had a reason to watch some scenes from Star Wars. (And, just as a side note, there’s quite a bit in the Star Wars movies that can be compared to American politics. But, that’s a whole different story for a whole different time).

“A couple of weeks is a long time in American Politics.” – Peter Jennings

That well-known saying from Peter Jennings is something I always try to remember as I’m listening to or reading the latest from the political pundits. Yes, Romney surely seems to have the “Big-Mo” (the all-important “momentum” that Pluta and I have discussed before) coming out of Florida, but, let’s play Devil’s Advocate for a minute, shall we? Pluta explains that, contrary to conventional wisdom, there are some reasons that Romney could have a difficult time winning the Michigan primary:

Bing, Unions Reach Tentative Deal

The city of Detroit and most of its unions have reached a tentative deal over worker concessions. But, as Sarah Cwiek reports, it’s unclear whether the deal can achieve its main goal: keeping an emergency manager out of the city. Cwiek explains:

The agreement covers most of the city’s 48 unions. Detroit Mayor Dave Bing calls it ‘the first meaningful step in achieving the necessary concessions and structural changes’ to right the city’s finances—and stop the ongoing state review process that could lead to an emergency manager. It’s unclear at this point how much the deal would save the city...  Another concern for city officials is the fact that it doesn’t include the city’s police and fire unions. Public safety makes up the biggest chunk of Detroit’s budget.

MI Dems Want Ethics Reform

State House Democrats say it’s time to beef up Michigan’s campaign finance and political ethics laws. “House Democrats unveiled a set of proposals that include a constitutional amendment that would require corporations to disclose political and lobbying activity, and a measure that would prevent state lawmakers from being lobbyists in the state for two years after a political term. Democratic House Minority Leader Richard Hammel said their measure addresses one of Governor Rick Snyder’s key concerns for 2012,” Laura Weber reports.

(Another) Kalamazoo River Spill

A suspected diesel fuel spill has been found in the Kalamazoo River at Battle Creek, the Associated Press reports. From the AP:

The Battle Creek Enquirer reports the spill was found Wednesday in a drainage ditch that's fed by storm sewers. Officials in the southern Michigan city searched Thursday for the source. Brian Kelly, an on-scene coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency, estimated that several hundred gallons of suspected diesel fuel was in the system that empties into the river. Crews responding to the spill placed absorbent material across a stream between the storm sewer and the river.

Right-to-Work in Indiana

A law signed yesterday makes Indiana the first right-to-work state in the industrial Midwest. That has stirred discussions in Michigan on the topic, Rick Pluta reports. From Pluta:

Governor Snyder was asked for his thoughts on right to work as he testified in Washington D.C. before a congressional committee yesterday… Snyder did not rule out Michigan becoming a right-to-work state sometime in the future, but says that debate should not take place in 2012. The governor says roads, public transit, and connecting the chronically unemployed to jobs are all higher priorities. But Republican state Representative Mike Shirkey says having a right-to-work state next door in Indiana could force the governor and the Legislature to confront the question. Shirkey says he hopes to have a right-to-work bill introduced before the Legislature begins its spring break in May.

Flint EM

Residents of Flint will have a chance to hear directly from their city’s Emergency Manager this evening. Steve Carmody reports:

An emergency manager has been calling the shots at Flint city hall since the beginning of December. During that time, Michael Brown has limited the power of the city’s elected leaders, fired some city employees and come up with a plan to lift Flint out of its financial crisis… Tonight is the first of nine community meetings that Brown plans to hold during the next month to share his vision and take input from Flint residents. Flint is facing an $11 million dollar deficit this year and the city’s cumulative deficit could be more than twice that.

Six More Weeks of Winter

The famous groundhog known as Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning which means a prediction of six more weeks of winter. But, here in Michigan, winter has meant mild temperatures and little snow. “The groundhog made his ‘prediction’ on Gobbler's Knob, a tiny hill in the town for which he's named about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Thursday's ceremony is largely that: Phil's prediction is determined ahead of time by the Inner Circle, a group which dons top hats and tuxedos and decides in advance what the groundhog will predict,” the Associated Press reports.

Every Wednesday, we take a look at what's happening in state politics with Michigan Radio's Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry. Today: a look at the political implications of Governor Snyder's decision to appoint an Emergency Manager for the Highland Park School District, what a transportation funding bill could mean for the state's crumbling roads and bridges, and Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Grand Rapids.

Vice President Joe Biden will visit an American Seating Company factory in Grand Rapids today. Biden is here to, "pitch the administration's plan to reward businesses that bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.," the Associated Press reports. Michigan Radio's Lindsey Smith reported earlier this week:

American Seating Company has been making seats for tour busses, trains, and big stadiums for about 125 years. Dave McLaughlin is Vice President and General Sales Manager of Transportation Products Group at American Seating. He’s been working there for 27 years. He says the company is trying not to view Biden’s visit as simply a political event.

“I’m sure there are people that are looking at it as a political event,” McLaughlin said, “We really need help as a nation in rebuilding our manufacturing infrastructure.”

The company employs 500, mostly unionized workers. Most are in Grand Rapids, but all in the United States. McLaughlin says about 75-percent of the company’s goods and services are sourced from companies based in Michigan, Ohio or Indiana.

The Vice President's visit follows President Obama's stop in Ann Arbor last week. The President spoke about the need for college affordability at the University of Michigan on Friday.

So called right-to-work laws prohibit workers from being required to join a union or pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. But with Indiana’s recent passage of right-to work laws, some Republican lawmakers say there is additional pressure on the state to pass its own legislation. 

Democrat and House Minority Leader, Representative Rick Hammel is against right-to-work legislation. He spoke with Michigan Radio's Jennifer White.

On Friday, Governor Snyder appointed an emergency manager to oversee the Highland Park School District. Emergency Managers are also in charge of Detroit Public Schools and the cities of Flint, Pontiac, Ecorse and Benton Harbor.

Highland Park and Detroit are in Southeast Michigan, but districts across the state are facing dire financial straits mainly because of declining student enrollment and cuts in state aid. Michigan Radio's Christina Shockley speaks with Michelle Herbon, a Senior Consultant at Public Sector Consultants, about the possibility of more emergency managers being appointed to financially struggling school districts across the states.

Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm starts a new role as television host tonight. Her program, The War Room with Jennifer Granholm premieres tonight at 9/8c on Current TV.

Granholm says because she was an elected official, "I can present some inside information I think that adds value to those who care about politics and policy in 2012.”

Snyder: No Right-to-Work Pressure

Governor Snyder says he doesn’t feel pressured to make Michigan a right-to-work state – even though Indiana appears poised to approve a right-to-work measure this week, Laura Weber reports. “Snyder says he still considers the right-to-work debate to be too divisive. Indiana could become the first right-to-work state in the industrial Midwest this week. Right-to-work supporters say once that happens, Indiana could take business and jobs away from Michigan. Those against right-to-work say it does not attract the kinds of jobs and industry Michigan wants,” Weber reports.

Kindergarten Funding Changes

Beginning in September, a new law in Michigan will mean public schools in the state must offer all-day kindergarten to receive full funding for each kindergarten pupil, the Associated Press reports. From the AP:

The Detroit News reports that the rules were approved last year by the Legislature. The state this month updated school districts about the half- and full-day options as well as the financial consequences. The newspaper says districts still may offer half-day programs but will lose half of their per-pupil funding for each student. Most districts get an average of $7,810 in state aid for each child and are struggling to make up for other cuts. Many districts changed to full-day kindergarten in recent years in anticipation of the change. But others are grappling with the financial challenges of the switch.

Want to Vote? Act Quickly.

It’s the last day to register to vote in the state’s February 28th presidential primary. “According to the office of the Michigan Secretary of State, applicants must be at least 18 years old and be U.S. citizens. Applicants must also be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register. Registration can be done by mail, at their county, city or township clerk's office or visiting any Secretary of State office. Those seeking an absentee ballot by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Feb. 25. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. Feb. 27,” the Detroit News reports. And, you can find out everything you wanted to know about Michigan’s presidential primary (and more) here.

Unless you’ve been living on Mars, or, at least, somewhere where there isn’t radio, television or the internet, you’ve most likely heard MORE than enough about the Iowa caucuses, the New Hampshire primary, the “game-changing” South Carolina primary and, of course, who could forget about tomorrow's all-important Florida primary.

Well, maybe you’re like me and Michigan Public Radio Network's Lansing Bureau Chief Rick Pluta and you feel like Michigan is getting left out of the conversation. Well, fear not, Pluta joined me on Friday to take a look at  Michigan’s Republican primary, scheduled for February 28th.

Romney has got this thing wrapped up... No, he doesn't. Oh wait, yes, he does.

We've got about a month to go before Michigan voters head to the polls for the state's presidential primary and it seems like one day we're hearing that Michigan's primary REALLY matters - that, indeed, the state will be influential in the Republican nominating process. But, then, just when we thought Michigan was important we hear the political pundits take back their political proclamations - claiming that no, in fact, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has got the state wrapped up. "I guess this is further evidence," Pluta says, "that anyone who is allowed to be a pundit should be required to wear something that says 'Don't follow me, I'm lost.'"

Michigan will matter... Really!

"Just a few weeks ago, we were written off," Pluta says, but, "things have changed so much since New Hampshire, we then had the Newt Gingrich surge... called Newtmentum. So, now... everyone is waiting to see what happens in Florida... and, then, we'll come out of that, and we'll go into Colorado and Minnesota - state's that really aren't as big as Michigan - and then, after February 7th, we have 21 days where there's nothing... and then the Michigan and Arizona primaries. And, Michigan WILL matter because momentum is everything going into Super Tuesday which happens shorty after Michigan and Arizona."

It's all about the "Big-Mo"... (Momentum, that is)

It's called the Big-Mo, or Big-Momentum, at least that's what political scientists and campaign strategists call it, and it's important. "I've talked to Republican strategists and they say, in a primary season, everything is about momentum. People are jumping in with whoever is surging and they're dropping off with whoever is lagging and so that's what you really, really want going into that all important Super Tuesday primary and Michigan is going to set the stage for that," Pluta explains. So, the idea is this: win Michigan and you go into Super Tuesday as a strong candidate with the air of inevitability.

Early primary = Fewer delegates

We reported quite a bit, last year, as the Michigan legislature tried to pick a date for the Michigan primary. Republican leaders wanted an early date for the primary - figuring that the earlier in the year the primary was held, the more influence the state would have in the national Republican campaign.

The only problem: Michigan broke the rules by holding an early primary. The date, "violates [Republican] Party rules and that will very likely result in Michigan's delegation to the Republican National Convention to be cut in half but, the [State] Legislature is really dominated by Romney supporters and what they wanted to do was... give Romney an early victory... that creates momentum going forward. It was actually considered more important for Romney to have that early momentum going ahead than to actually rack up as many delegates as he possibly could coming out of Michigan," Pluta explains.