Brad and his numbers:

A person known as "silver spring" over at the blog mydd.com crunched some numbers, which you can find here: Clinton v. Obama in GE State Polls.

The short version?
Whether it be Obama or Clinton that gets the nomination in 2008, we'll beat the "average" Republican nominee. We win in 2008!

I highly encourage you to take a gander. They've got electoral maps! Always fun to see maps.


In other news.
As I'm sure you already know, Michigan's primary has been set for January 15. Due to the fact that Michigan violates DNC rules by having the primary so early, many candidates have opted out of the entire process. If you support Barack Obama, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, or Joe Biden, you officially have no candidate now.
Michigan is an automatic win for Hillary Clinton.

So that poses the question:
Do we Democrats, going into the Republican primaries, vote for Ron Paul, or for Tom Tancredo? While Ron Paul seems to plausibly have a shot (he's polling fourth in Iowa), Tom Tancredo is way more fun: he advocates dissuading terrorists by nuking Mecca!
I think I'm gonna go with Paul, simply because I think he's the least racist, and he opposes the war in Iraq.

Comments, please.

Help stop coal power plants from being built in Michigan

From NoCoalRush.com:

Michigan's energy future is in the crosshairs. Our state is threatened with an onslaught of at least seven more dirty coal-fired power plants that will keep Michigan locked in the energy dark ages, dependent on imported fossil fuels and producing more dangerous global warming pollution. More outdated dirty coal plants will hamper the development of clean energy and the good paying jobs that come with it.

But the Legislature can stop this from happening NOW by passing a NO NEW COAL PLANT policy until Michigan has a strong Clean Energy Plan that would:

Enact a strong renewable energy standard that requires energy providers to generate 20 percent of their electric power from renewable sources by 2020.

Enact strong statewide utility funded energy efficiency programs that result in at least 1% energy savings per year.

Protect consumers from having to absorb the skyrocketing future costs of coal burning.

Implement a long term energy plan that guarantees energy efficiency and renewable power are used before any more outdated coal plants are built.

Develop new standards for controlling the emissions of CO2.

Governor Granholm has been working tirelessly bring renewable energy to the state, which will help improve the health of both our environment and our economy. Increasing coal production will hurt our environment without offering much promise for many more new jobs. So be sure to visit NoCoalRush.com and let your lawmakers know that you support our environment and our economy and oppose the building of coal-fired power plants in Michigan.

And while you're at it, visit SmallStepBigChange.com and take the pledge to do your part.

Rock The Vote Statistics

From MyDD, which was taken from Rock The Vote:

• On the hypothetical Presidential match-ups, Democrats continue to dominate for the most part. What was interesting is that Clinton routinely wins by larger margins among 18-29 year olds against all Republican opponents, and both Barack Obama and John Edwards actually lose among young voters when pitted against Giuliani, who has long been the Republican favorite among young voters in these polls. [emphasis added]
  

Rut-roh! Looks like Democrats don't exactly have a monopoly on the youth vote. Not that anyone asserted they did, however it's surprising seeing as many of the A-list bloggers are saying the Millennial Generation is the most progressive generation yet.

Go here (it's .pdf) to read the full report. It's really interesting, and one can get a feel for what our generation is thinking politically.

In non-related news, my laptop is what many might call a "piece." Hopefully I'll have it fixed and returned to me before Thanksgiving holiday, but who knows? Until then, my blog updating will be sparse.

Nooses found in IET Building

From CM Life:

Central Michigan University Police are questioning students and employees after someone found four hangman nooses hanging inside a classroom.

A student came across the nooses earlier this week while walking into Room 228 inside the Engineering and Technology Building, said Police Chief Stan Dinius.

The student reported his findings to a staff member, who then forwarded the information on to police at 1:15 p.m. Monday.

"At this time, we have no idea why someone would put them up there," Dinius said. "There are several people who operate in that room. It's an open lab where people can go at any time."

Of course, this is not the first recent incident involving harrasment of certain groups on campus. Let's not forget last spring's anti-gay chalkings, as well as the Columbus Day and anti-Muslim flyers.

What the hell is going on here? (I don't use language that strong very often.)

Said President Rao in his most recent update to the campus community:

Reported incidents on campus in recent weeks targeting specific groups of people have prompted me to reflect on the apparent decline in respect displayed for certain members of our community.

On at least two occasions this month, written material was distributed on campus expressing improper generalizations about people based on their ethnicity, gender, or religious beliefs. Rather than dignifying the deplorable actions of a small number of individuals, it serves as a reminder to us all to maintain an ongoing open and appropriate dialogue on issues associated with respect, acceptance, and inclusion.

UPDATE: The story has now reached CNN. I must say, I am somewhat queasy about the prospect of this incident giving CMU a bad reputation (in addition to being p1$$ed about the incident itself).

Truly supporting the troops

The phrase "Support the Troops" is often used as somewhat of a cliché that isn't usually backed by action. While some like to say they support the troops, not many people actually do anything to back up their words with deeds.

Now, thanks to Blogging for Michigan's Troop Care fund, we have an excellent opportunity to put our words into action. Now through November 25, BFM is taking donations which will be used to help provide material support to Michigan-based troops currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Donations are being accepted online or by mail. They will appreciate any donation, large or small. If you don't feel you can afford to donate, please be sure to spread the word so that more people know about Troop Care.

"Support the Troops" should be more than a phrase - it should be a way of life. Here's your chance to show that you really do care about those who are serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Have You Thanked A Veteran?

Today is Veterans Day, a day which along with May’s Memorial Day honors our veterans who have served and came back and those who served and never returned home. Unlike other holidays that have been “Hallmarked” to death (Valentine’s Day, Halloween, etc,) Veterans and Memorial Day has substance and merit. These days remind us that a select group of American citizens took time out of their own lives and whether they were drafted or not, defended the rights and privileges we take for granted today.

We are reminded as well that despite our hang-ups, opinions, and whatever we feel about the current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, we cannot deny that there are brave men and women, mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, etc. who are over there right now serving with honor and distinction in an attempt to give a better life to people who have never known such a thing.

We are also made aware of Veteran’s Day because of the fact that some soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, perhaps will never come home but in a casket, and sometimes, though it’s rare, not even come home at all. To a lot of us, this is the unpleasant part of this day more than any other aspect of the holiday. We, as a nation, set aside this day as a remembrance to those soldiers, from Bunker Hill to Baghdad and beyond, who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country.

While we respect those veterans who have come home as well, the fact remains that all veterans, living or dead, in whatever branch of service must be acknowledged, valued, and respected for their service.

So when you have a chance, take time and thank a vet. By doing so, you not only thank him/her for their service, you also honor the memory of those who paid the vital price to ensure the continuation of this nation.

The Maroon and Gold goes green - and I don't mean EMU green

As a junior here at CMU, I like to make sure that CMU's administration is not only spending our tuition dollars wisely, but also making this school a socially responsible institution - that is, one that encourages people not only to take action to improve our communities and our world, but one that actually does so itself.

From CMU's online newsroom:

The use of woodchips as a renewable fuel source for steam requirements saves the university up to $2 million annually in fuel costs. An additional $1 million or more, over the course of the four-year contract, will be saved as a result of a university contract with Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative to purchase electricity.

Facilities management and residence life also are in the process of modifying nearly 11,000 bathroom fixtures by installing special water conservation aerators and discs in order to reduce water and sewer costs. The new faucet diffusers will reduce water flow from 2.0 gallons per minute to 0.5 g.p.m.

Last year, it was decided that all future new buildings and major renovations would follow the U.S. Green Building Council guidelines. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program provides very specific guidelines that buildings must meet in order to become certified. According to Lawrence, the new education building will be the first on CMU's campus to follow the LEED criteria.

But it's not just the higher-ups at CMU who are doing their part for our environment - students, faculty, and staff are getting in on the act:

Meanwhile, recycling on-campus has doubled. In June 2007, CMU averaged 38 tons of recycling materials per month, a 19-ton increase from August 2003.

Ooh! Ah! Another reason to be proud to be a Chippewa!

Griffin Policy Forum recap

I had the chance to attend the semi-annual Griffin Policy Forum, put on by the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at CMU. (One Gary Peters currently holds that chair.)

This fall's Griffin Forum was titled "Now What? Managing the budget crisis while promoting a positive future for Michigan." Their panelists were legislative leaders Andy Dillon, Mike Bishop, Craig DeRoche, and Mark Schauer, with Tim Skubick as moderator. Seeing as how the panel consisted of four titans in Michigan politics, there was no way I was going to pass up the chance to go.

Few points were made by either side that I hadn't heard before then. Schauer discussed the uncertainty of the budget process and how that likely scared off businesses that would have otherwise invested in Michigan. Dillon called out the Repubs for not doing their jobs. DeRoche kept parroting the old GOP talking points: 'Taxes are bad!' 'We need reforms!' 'Why did I go to CMU? Go Broncos!' (Okay, he didn't use that last one.) All in all, not much besides what both sides have been saying for months now.

That said, not many of the hundreds of people in attendance had followed the budget battle as closely as I have, so for them to argue the same points was understandable.

They all agreed that extending the 6% tax on services was not a good idea; they disagreed as to where the new revenue should be replaced. Mike Bishop said he supports increasing the sales tax to 6.5%. Schauer supports retooling the new Michigan Business Tax. I'll have more on Republican tax hypocrisy in an upcoming post.

Tim Skubick seemed to take his job as a journalist seriously. Not that I haven't been unhappy with some of the things he's said and done, but props to him for giving the panelists some tough questions. After DeRoche went on about reforms, Skubick p0wned him by asking, "Where were all the reforms when Engler was governor?" He's also good for a few laughs, though: "Here's the score of the game: Western 3, CMU 102." While discussing a forum on political stability which he moderated: "At the time, we were all in favor of it."

Mark this down: When asked if they would take a pay cut, all four of them said they would. Schauer and I believe one other person said they and some of their colleagues return a portion of their salary to the Treasury. (While you might think this recent proposal offers hope in that regard, this proposal affects future lawmakers, not themselves.)

Another thing to mark down: When asked if they would run for governor, Dillon, DeRoche, and Schauer all said No. Bishop's response? "You never know." Expect more definitive answers on this following next year's Presidential election.

Following the forum, Bill Ballenger, the previous Griffin Endowed Chair, congratulated Peters on a job well done. I second Ballenger's remark. For him to get these heavyweights in Michigan politics under one roof is a rare feat. Peters should be commended for helping to enhance our education at CMU by bringing these titans to Mount Pleasant.

Election Day is tomorrow!

City officials make key decisions that impact our day-to-day lives in a more profound and direct way than do the folks in Washington and Lansing. Funding for police and fire departments, roads, and parks often come from city and township governments.

Because of this, it is important that citizens make their voice heard by participating in community affairs. Perhaps the best way to do this is by voting.

And tomorrow, people in many locales throughout the state and nation will have the opportunity to do that. Voter turnout in city elections is significantly lower than it is in elections for President or Governor - meaning your vote has a greater impact.

Many future political leaders are running in these races. Today's city councilperson or mayor is tomorrow's state lawmaker or member of Congress. My Republican State Senator, Bill Hardiman, was mayor of my hometown of Kentwood for many years. Mark Schauer was a Battle Creek City Commissioner, while Gary Peters served on the Bloomfield Hills City Council. Both would become state Senators, and both are running for Congress in the 2008 election.

So if you get the chance, and you haven't voted by absentee ballot, stop by your hometown and vote tomorrow between 7 AM and 8 PM. To help you out, here's a short list of candidates endorsed by the Michigan Democratic Party Youth Caucus:

• Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor
• Maureen Brosnan for Livonia Mayor
• Nathan Triplett for East Lansing City Council
• Jason Bauer for Auburn Hills City Council
• Kevin Hrit for Troy City Council
• Ryan Hersha for Battle Creek City Commission

There are also elections in other cities and towns besides the ones listed above. So if there is an election near you, I hope you can take the time to vote tomorrow!

National Polling Roundup

HRC still dominates the field, but it looks as if her grip isn't as strong as many would like to think (based off the post at MyDD):

Candidate	ABC News/WaPo 10/29-11/1	Newsweek 10/31-11/1	RCP 8-poll Ave.
Clinton	49 (53)	43 (44)	44.4
Obama	26 (20)	24 (23)	22.6
Edwards	12 (13)	12 (14)	12.3
Biden	3 (2)	4 (3)
Richardson	2 (3)	3 (1)
Kucinich	2 (1)	4 (2)
Dodd	1 (-)	- (1)
Don't Know	2 (2)	7 (7)

Clinton was cut down a bit, Obama was bumped up a little, and Edwards still sees little movement. Let me remind you all that in the beginning of October Clinton had a 30-point lead over Obama. At Obama's "peak" polling he was at about 30% -- with Clinton still in front of him.

So, what do y'all think? Predictions?

Oh, and remember to attend the Griffin Policy Forum tomorrow! I know it'll be hard to pay less attention to the game, but I promise it'll be worth your while.

Obama On SNL

Hello all! I'm Brad O'Donnell, and I'll be contributing to the blog now and again. You'll probably see me more often then you want to, so get used to my face. ;)
Thought I'd start my CMU Dems blogging career with a laugh.

Some guy is wearing an Obama mask in this Democratic presidential candidate-based SNL skit. I found it to be rather funny --

Griffin Policy Forum to feature top state lawmakers

Twice per year, the Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at Central Michigan University hosts the Griffin Policy Forum, which focuses on key issues in the news, particularly those surrounding Michigan politics.

Organized by Griffin Chair Gary Peters, the theme for this fall's Griffin Forum is "Now What? Managing the budget crisis while promoting a positive future for Michigan." It will take place this coming Tuesday at 7:30 in Plachta Auditorium. A reception will follow on the 2nd floor lobby of Warriner.

Panelists will include Speaker of the House Andy Dillon (D); House Republican Leader (and former Speaker) Craig DeRoche; Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R); and Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer (D). Moderator will be Tim Skubick, host of the public-television program Off the Record. The forum will include a question-and-answer period. (Of course, I urge you to use common sense and avoid any temptation to, shall I say, go ape$#!^ at DeRoche and Bishop.)

According to the forum's Web page:

The four leaders each will summarize this year’s achievements and disappointments in the Michigan government and summarize their party’s perspectives on the challenges and opportunities awaiting the legislature in the coming year.

• Has the state budget crisis been solved?
  
• What is the future for university funding in Michigan?
  
• How can Michigan prepare to compete globally?
  
• How can universities help Michigan compete economically?

This is perhaps the highest-caliber Griffin Forum CMU has seen. This is a very rare opportunity to see so many well-known Michigan political figures together at CMU. One would be lucky to see Skubick, Dillon, DeRoche, Bishop, and Schauer all together in Lansing, much less in Mount Pleasant.

These folks are also rising stars in Michigan's political arena. Peters and Schauer are both running for Congress in 2008, while some speculate that Dillon, DeRoche, and Bishop may be candidates for Governor in 2010.