Time for Bold Leadership. For instance...

It is time for the Republican Party to exhibit bold leadership. From the bottom to the top, we need activists, elected officials and leaders who are ready to pull together and lead this party out of its malaise. Being "against" things is not good enough.. "I'm not a democrat" surely will not do. It is time to be for things that will move Michigan forward. We need to win votes in the urban centers of our state. We simply need to lead on the issues that people in the cities care about.

For example, since Proposal A was passed more than a decade ago, funding for public education has increased at nearly double the rate of inflation. Detroit receives more than $10,000 per student. On top of that, we have "No Child Left Behind", the ill-fated federal program that is now pumping $55 billion per year into public education. And yet, we see virtually no improvement. In fact, in most urban centers we see decline. Detroit only graduates 25% of its students! What bold, positive steps can we take that will earn the respect, support, and votes of Michigan residents?

We can advocate for teacher merit pay. We need to tell hard-working, dedicated public school teachers that they should be rewarded for their efforts rather than carry the weight of others who are not putting in the effort. The weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal published an editorial about Washington, D.C. school Chancellor, Michelle Rhee who is taking on the education union in the District. She is quoted as saying, "Tenure is the holy grail of teacher unions, but it has no educational value for kids; it only benefits unions." Ms. Rhee has proposed reforms that would allow teachers to earn merit increases of nearly 100% in exchange for giving up tenure.

We should commit to expansion of parental choice in public education. Let's give the parents of Detroit and many other areas of the state, who are locked in a failing, bankrupt school system the option of placing their children in public school academies, "charter" schools. These schools are funded by the state, but run by independent chartering agencies. There are many operating in Michigan already, and most have done well. Their achievement scores are above the traditional schools in the same geographical locations. But, the state has placed an artificial "cap" on the number of new charters that may be opened. Detroit is maxed out, even though virtually every charter school in Detroit is full and has a long waiting list.

The parents of this state deserve better, and we have the opportunity to provide it to them, but it will require boldness on the part of legislative leaders. It will take courage to challenge the MEA and the Detroit Federation of Teachers to reform. But for the sake of the students, they should allow merit pay for teachers and the expansion of charter schools. But I believe that if we, as a Republican party take these bold steps, we will see an improvement in public education in Michigan and we will see voters coming back to the Republican party because they realize we have the bold solutions to improve Michigan. If we lead, the voters will join us at the ballot box.

Can We Get the Donors Back?

Contributions to the Michigan Republican Party are apparently down. One might ask why. What happened to cause a decline in contributions?

I was in sales and marketing for 15 years before spending 7 years in the non-profit business and six years in full-time elective office. I learned some valuable lessons in my sales career. One of those was that you can be a very good salesman, sell products at a very competitive price and deliver the goods on time, but if your product was inferior, before long you would lose the business to a competitor. It is important to deliver the product as it was represented and keep the quality up.

In my travels around the state over the last year while running for US Senate, I talked to hundreds of loyal Republicans. Many expressed frustration with "product quality." One donor I talked to told me he was very frustrated with Republican elected officials who voted to raise taxes and spend more money. As he put it, "I am not mad at the Democrats, they told me they would raise taxes and spend more. I am angry with the Republicans because they said they were for low taxes and less government." To paraphrase another large donor who stopped giving, "Why should I give to the Republican party? I can get the same thing from the Democrats for nothing!"

No question about it, we must improve the quality of our "product". What does that mean for the Republican party in Michigan? I believe it means we must clearly define who we are and what we stand for and then recruit candidates who will "sell" the product as represented and "deliver" the product when the order is placed.

Another lesson I learned in sales, it is much easier to sell the product when the customer trusts you. For the party this means we will raise money much more effectively and easily if we keep the pledge to our constituents to represent those core principles that made the Republican party so successful in years gone by.

My pledge to you as your State Party Chair is to rebuild the party into one with a top quality product that is delivered as it is represented.

Change or Change Back?

"You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man's age-old dream -- the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order - or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path. Plutarch warned, 'The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits.'"

-Ronald Reagan, October 27, 1964

The above quotation came from Ronald Reagan's speech, "A Time For Choosing," which he delivered in October of 1964. Isn't it amazing how timely his words are forty-four years later?

This year's election cycle was all about change: "Change we can believe in." But what does that really mean? There is no question that voters are looking for change, but I wonder if perhaps they are truly seeking what used to be. I believe the people want to go back to the days when government did what it was designed to do: "form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."

Where does the ever-expanding role of government in our everyday affairs fit into that description? Do taxpayers really want to be told how to raise their familes, educate their children, care for their personal property, and run their businesses? Do they believe that government should come to the rescue of giant corporations that are facing bankruptcy? Do they trust government to provide for the general welfare? Or do they recognize that these actions are leading us "down to the antheap of totalitarianism"?

I belive that we as Republicans need to lead this nation in a return -- a change back -- to the abiding principles that made this the greatest nation on earth: those principles that put trust in the people, that empower each individual to chart his own course, to succeed without government's assistance, and to reach "the maximum of individual freedom, consistent with order."

It is time to begin the long journey back to core principles. These principles, if we articulate them, believe in them, and carry them out faithfully, will provide the best opportunities for all our citizens to achieve the things they dream about for themselves, their families, and their businesses. Now is our opportunity. Are you willing?

Change or Change Back?

"You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man's age-old dream -- the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order - or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path. Plutarch warned, 'The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits.'"

-Ronald Reagan, October 27, 1964

The above quotation came from Ronald Reagan's speech, "A Time For Choosing," which he delivered in October of 1964. Isn't it amazing how timely his words are forty-four years later?

This year's election cycle was all about change: "Change we can believe in." But what does that really mean? There is no question that voters are looking for change, but I wonder if perhaps they are truly seeking what used to be. I believe the people want to go back to the days when government did what it was designed to do: "form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."

Where does the ever-expanding role of government in our everyday affairs fit into that description? Do taxpayers really want to be told how to raise their familes, educate their children, care for their personal property, and run their businesses? Do they believe that government should come to the rescue of giant corporations that are facing bankruptcy? Do they trust government to provide for the general welfare? Or do they recognize that these actions are leading us "down to the antheap of totalitarianism"?

I belive that we as Republicans need to lead this nation in a return -- a change back -- to the abiding principles that made this the greatest nation on earth: those principles that put trust in the people, that empower each individual to chart his own course, to succeed without government's assistance, and to reach "the maximum of individual freedom, consistent with order."

It is time to begin the long journey back to core principles. These principles, if we articulate them, believe in them, and carry them out faithfully, will provide the best opportunities for all our citizens to achieve the things they dream about for themselves, their families, and their businesses. Now is our opportunity. Are you willing?

Jack for State Party Chairman

I sent many of you an email early on Friday morning about my interest in running for state party chair. The response has been overwhelming. Hundreds have already written back and nearly everyone has been encouraging.

The Republican Party in Michigan is hurting. Since I took office in January of 2003, we have lost 20 House seats, three Senate seats, two Congressmen, a Supreme Court Chief Justice, and countless township and county officials. We failed to regain the governor's mansion in 2006 and we missed on US Senate seats in 2006 and 2008. We have consistently lost the debate in the battle of ideas.

It is time to make an evaluation of the situation and resolve to make some significant changes. There is no point in dwelling on personalities or looking back. What is important is that we right the ship before it sinks.

In my letter from Friday, I mentioned that I was waiting on Chairman Anuzis. My expectation was that his decision regarding party chair was imminent. I was inclined to wait for his decision before announcing mine. He has since let me know that it may be "a week" before he decides. So after much evaluation, I have decided to go forward and announce that I will be a candidate for Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party.

I would like to share with you some of the things I believe we need to do:

• We need to unify the party around the core principles that define who we are as Republicans. The Number One priority is reducing the size of government.


• We need to identify the key issues that identify Republicans and which will win at the ballot box.


• We need to begin working with local county leaders to identify strong candidates for House and Senate who will grasp the issues and commit to supporting them.


• We must organize our ground game to build strength in the high schools, universities, and grass roots organizations.


• We must improve communication between state leadership, the districts, the counties and the membership.


• The party has lacked transparency and accountability. We need to audit the books and become a lean, efficient operation. Vendors need to earn their business through a bidding process.


• It is time for the party to go on offense, to engage the voters in an issue-based campaign.

Over the last three years, I have traveled all around Michigan and gotten to know many of you. I have heard your concerns as well as your ideas about how to once again win elections.

Too many times, the message coming from Republican leadership has been that we need to moderate, compromise, be bi-partisan. I can tell you that in the House, the message for six years was one of compromise, conciliation, and moderation. Instead of going on offense, we played defense; we surrendered our principles to the point that we went from a 63-47 majority to a 67-43 minority. And yet, the voices of "reason" continue to say that we keep losing because we are too far right.

I can tell you from experience that the voters and taxpayers of this state feel differently. Republican and independent voters want to see us take the bold steps of leadership that we have been unwilling to take. There are many examples. Whether it is keeping taxes low and spending under control or giving parents choice in education or protecting private property rights, we have missed many opportunities to lead.

I pledge to you that as your chairman, I will work to bring the core principles to the forefront and in so doing, help us win back the majority for the Republicans so we can once again bring real conservative leadership and a strong economy back to the great state of Michigan. As we move forward in this process, I will be communicating ideas on how we can regain the majority in the legislature and elect a Republican governor in 2010.

I will be calling you soon to answer your questions and ask for your support. Meanwhile, please feel free to send me an e-mail or call me at 269-806-4626.

Regards,
Jack Hoogendyk

Jack for State Party Chairman

I sent many of you an email early on Friday morning about my interest in running for state party chair. The response has been overwhelming. Hundreds have already written back and nearly everyone has been encouraging.

The Republican Party in Michigan is hurting. Since I took office in January of 2003, we have lost 20 House seats, three Senate seats, two Congressmen, a Supreme Court Chief Justice, and countless township and county officials. We failed to regain the governor's mansion in 2006 and we missed on US Senate seats in 2006 and 2008. We have consistently lost the debate in the battle of ideas.

It is time to make an evaluation of the situation and resolve to make some significant changes. There is no point in dwelling on personalities or looking back. What is important is that we right the ship before it sinks.

In my letter from Friday, I mentioned that I was waiting on Chairman Anuzis. My expectation was that his decision regarding party chair was imminent. I was inclined to wait for his decision before announcing mine. He has since let me know that it may be "a week" before he decides. So after much evaluation, I have decided to go forward and announce that I will be a candidate for Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party.

I would like to share with you some of the things I believe we need to do:

• We need to unify the party around the core principles that define who we are as Republicans. The Number One priority is reducing the size of government.


• We need to identify the key issues that identify Republicans and which will win at the ballot box.


• We need to begin working with local county leaders to identify strong candidates for House and Senate who will grasp the issues and commit to supporting them.


• We must organize our ground game to build strength in the high schools, universities, and grass roots organizations.


• We must improve communication between state leadership, the districts, the counties and the membership.


• The party has lacked transparency and accountability. We need to audit the books and become a lean, efficient operation. Vendors need to earn their business through a bidding process.


• It is time for the party to go on offense, to engage the voters in an issue-based campaign.

Over the last three years, I have traveled all around Michigan and gotten to know many of you. I have heard your concerns as well as your ideas about how to once again win elections.

Too many times, the message coming from Republican leadership has been that we need to moderate, compromise, be bi-partisan. I can tell you that in the House, the message for six years was one of compromise, conciliation, and moderation. Instead of going on offense, we played defense; we surrendered our principles to the point that we went from a 63-47 majority to a 67-43 minority. And yet, the voices of "reason" continue to say that we keep losing because we are too far right.

I can tell you from experience that the voters and taxpayers of this state feel differently. Republican and independent voters want to see us take the bold steps of leadership that we have been unwilling to take. There are many examples. Whether it is keeping taxes low and spending under control or giving parents choice in education or protecting private property rights, we have missed many opportunities to lead.

I pledge to you that as your chairman, I will work to bring the core principles to the forefront and in so doing, help us win back the majority for the Republicans so we can once again bring real conservative leadership and a strong economy back to the great state of Michigan. As we move forward in this process, I will be communicating ideas on how we can regain the majority in the legislature and elect a Republican governor in 2010.

I will be calling you soon to answer your questions and ask for your support. Meanwhile, please feel free to send me an e-mail or call me at 269-806-4626.

Regards,
Jack Hoogendyk

The Silver Lining for Republicans

It is an obvious understatement to say last night was an historic one for our country. But something remarkable happened for the Republican party in Michigan that many might have overlooked. For the first time in over 100 years, voters elected a black Republican to the House of Representatives.

Michigan, in fact, elected two black Republicans - Larry DeShazor and Paul Scott.

I heard one lady in Chicago's Grant Park last night say, "Now, blacks have shown they can do anything!" Indeed, but this truism is something the party of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. have believed for a long time.

Larry DeShazor and Paul Scott overcame the overwhelming wave of Democratic victories across the state by winning two races that one would have predicted as wins for the Democrats. This is no fluke. I know both Paul and Larry, and I can tell you they are bright and articulate future leaders for the party and our state.

History was made across this country; it was also made right here, in Michigan. I am confident that Larry and Paul will be more than just members of the caucus. They will bring the leadership skills our Republican caucus has sorely needed. As I leave the House caucus at the end of the year, I regret that I will not have the opportunity to serve with these two fine young leaders for our party.

Larry and Paul, my congratulations to you both for winning hard-fought primaries and general elections. You have been tested and you have proved your mettle. I look forward to you leading the way for this great party and for our state. I believe that you two will be keys to bringing our party back to prominence as the party of individual liberty and opportunity for all.

The Silver Lining for Republicans

It is an obvious understatement to say last night was an historic one for our country. But something remarkable happened for the Republican party in Michigan that many might have overlooked. For the first time in over 100 years, voters elected a black Republican to the House of Representatives.

Michigan, in fact, elected two black Republicans - Larry DeShazor and Paul Scott.

I heard one lady in Chicago's Grant Park last night say, "Now, blacks have shown they can do anything!" Indeed, but this truism is something the party of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. have believed for a long time.

Larry DeShazor and Paul Scott overcame the overwhelming wave of Democratic victories across the state by winning two races that one would have predicted as wins for the Democrats. This is no fluke. I know both Paul and Larry, and I can tell you they are bright and articulate future leaders for the party and our state.

History was made across this country; it was also made right here, in Michigan. I am confident that Larry and Paul will be more than just members of the caucus. They will bring the leadership skills our Republican caucus has sorely needed. As I leave the House caucus at the end of the year, I regret that I will not have the opportunity to serve with these two fine young leaders for our party.

Larry and Paul, my congratulations to you both for winning hard-fought primaries and general elections. You have been tested and you have proved your mettle. I look forward to you leading the way for this great party and for our state. I believe that you two will be keys to bringing our party back to prominence as the party of individual liberty and opportunity for all.