Now we have one of his most loyal supporters and financial backers attempting to buy off the voters of Michigan and purchase the Governor's office to implement the same disastrous policies here in our own state- using the same inherited mega-wealth that his president has done so much to protect and preserve as a privilege of patronage.

But Dick DeVos is only part of the threat. If there is any hope of holding Bush and his crony criminals accountable, Democrats must take at least one house of the Congress. This is not just a matter of electing new Democrats to replace Republicans. It is also essential that we reelect Congressman Dale Kildee and Senator Debbie Stabenow.

We also have the best chance in years to capture the 4th District seat of Dave "Rubberstamp" Camp, a shameless accomplice to the innumerable abuses of the Bush Administration, through his unquestioning deference to its incompetence and corruption. A vote for determined Democrat Mike Huckleberry is a vote that says ENOUGH of the cronyism, ENOUGH of the imperial congress, ENOUGH of the corporate servitude of our elected representatives, ENOUGH of the betrayal of the American working class. It is a challenging race, but no one ever said it was going to be easy.

On the State level, the stakes are just as high. Even with Governor Jennifer Granholm's re-election, she would still face the daunting task of working against the obstructionist tactics of a Republican legislature-- unless we give her the kind of support she needs by electing Democrats to the State House and State Senate.

It is not only critical that we return Democrats to historically "safe" districts like the 95th- where Andy Coulouris looks to take up the banner that Carl Williams carried faithfully for six years. It is also necessary that we gain seats previously held by Republicans.

The key battleground in the Senate is here in the 32nd District where former State Representative Carl Williams must defeat Roger Kahn, who is making a desperate attempt to escape the shame of his party affiliation by avoiding the "R" word on his yard signs and literature. We have to make sure he wears that GOP label like his own "Scarlet Letter". His voting record in the State House is proof enough of his true loyalty.

In the State House 94th District, Bob Blaine is in a struggle against Ken Horn for Kahn's seat, and has been working hard since Day 1 in knocking on doors and talking to voters throughout the district to better define the Democratic message and clearly differentiate between himself and his Republican counterpart. Still, it's a very tough race, and he needs our support.

Another difficult challenge is in the 98th State House District, where spirited newcomer Jan Taylor Sutherland is taking on John Moolenaar, one of the most extreme rightwing Republicans in Lansing. Thought by many to be a "safe" Republican district, it's worth noting that the three challengers to Moolenaar in the primary- two Democrats and one nominally (actually quite Liberal) Republican- polled just a few hundred votes less than Moolenaar. Let's not surrender anywhere without a fight- especially in this year of opportunity. This is an excellent contest to put your progressive ideals to the test!

Just in case you are still not convinced that this is a critical vote, we also can elect a new Attorney General and Secretary of State.

Amos Williams brings a lifetime of relevant work into his AG challenge- as a longtime Detroit police officer, a Vietnam Veteran, and an highly effective attorney. He will be running against Mike Cox, Republican incumbent, whose failure to act against gas gougers and his private vendettas through his public position have brought shame to this once respected state office.

Secretary of State Candidate Carmella Sabaugh is an experienced City and County Clerk who is committed to broadly expanding the electorate of Michigan, while incumbent Republican Terry Lynn Land's policies have further restricted opportunities to vote in this state. Her active role in the 2004 Bush campaign while serving as the top election official in Michigan was a clear conflict of interest, potentially undermining the integrity of democratic elections.

I hope these reminders have helped to emphasize the importance of this election and the part that each of us must play in bringing about the kind of positive results that we hope for- and perhaps expect. However, despite the optimistic signs that point to a big year for Democrats, we need to remember that it is up to us to make it happen!

As the slogan for the SVSU football team once read- Don't wish for it- Work for It! It is a message just as valid for all Democrats and progressives between now and November 7.

Please contact The Saginaw Area Democratic Club at:
sadc_communications@yahoo.com/ (989) 497-0217/ 114 1/2 S. Hamilton St.
or the Michigan Democratic Coordinated Campaign-
Charis Rose at charissophia@yahoo.com / (989) 980-9763/ 126 N. Franklin St., Ste.106 to get involved in the election campaign.

Any time you can spare would be greatly appreciated. We have several different volunteering duties to fill, and will make every effort to find something that fits into your schedule and matches your abilities.

You can find out much more about these contests as well as those for the University Boards, County Commission, Ballot Proposals, and others at our website at www.saginawareademclub.org.

You can also contact the following individuals to help with specific State campaigns:

David Randels (Carl Williams 32nd State Senate) randelsd@gmail.com
Kyle Bostwick (Bob Blaine 94th State House) political411@gmail.com
Bram Elias (Andy Coulouris 95th State House) bramelias@gmail.com
Jan Sutherland (98th State House) jant@tm.net
Stephanie Chang (One United Michigan- Vote No on 2 to keep affirmative action) stephanielilychang@gmail.com