Analysis of the 75th State House District

by: pbratt

Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 22:30:56 PM EST

http://i303.photobucket.com/al...

75th State House District

The 75th State House District covers the eastern portion half of Grand Rapids. The district has existed in a slightly modified form since 1972, with modifications occurring after each census redistricting. Despite Grand Rapids' image as a conservative bastion, Democrats represented the district until the mid-1980s, with Jelt Sietsma, Steven Monsma, and John Otterbacher serving state house districts that covered eastern Grand Rapids during this period. In the mid-1980s as Grand Rapids became increasingly conservative, Republican Vern Ehlers (1983-1985) and Richard Bandstra (1985-1995) successfully held the eastside Grand Rapids seat, which remained in the GOPs hands during the 1990s and early 2000s under William Byl (1995-2001) and Jerry Kooiman (2001-2007). The republicans who represented the 75th District were a largely different breed than the largely suburban Michigan Republican Party (MRP), claiming moderation in economic issues, promoting urban revitalization, and public education. This tradition ended with the 2006 election, in which the GOP ran social conservative Tim Doyle for the seat. Doyle, who in tandem with the MRP, ran a race-baiting campaign against Democratic candidate Robert Dean, was stunningly upset Doyle by a 51% to 46% margin. Dean handily won reelection in 2008 in a strongly Democratic year (see the 2008 Democratic Baseline in Map 1), besting Republican candidate Dan Tietema with 59% of the vote.  

While the Democratic resurgence in recent years is in large part due to the changing political environment on the state and national level, the demographics of the district have also been changing. The growing Hispanic population on the southwest side of the city, the revitalization of Cherry Hill and Eastown, the slow decline of the 1st ring suburbs on the south side Grand Rapids and Wyoming, and the fading of the CRC political/religious presence in the Third Ward of the city has changed Grand Rapids over the past decade, and the full implications of this transformation will only be visible with the tabulation of the 2010 Census.  

Jones to Lead Michigan Legislative Black Caucus; Dean Remains Secretary

by: philgoblue

Tue Dec 09, 2008 at 06:09:25 AM EST

MIRS reports that State Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo; State House District 60) will replace Representative Brenda Clack (D-Flint) as the chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus for the 2009-2010 term.

The bi-partisan caucus will have 25 members (22 Democrats and three Republicans) after losing four, but gaining 8 new members.  

The rest of the Caucus' officers include
* Vice Chairperson is Representative Shanelle Jackson(D-Detroit)
* First Vice Chairperson is Representative-elect Fred Durhal (D-Detroit)
* Second Vice Chairperson is Representative-elect Woodrow Stanley (D-Flint)
* Secretary is Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids)
* Treasurer is Representative-elect Jimmy Womack (D-Detroit)  

A Thank You Note from Representative Robert Dean

by: philgoblue

Sun Nov 16, 2008 at 22:10:53 PM EST

Dear Friend,

Tuesday, over five million Michiganians turned out for an election we'll never forget. Michigan - and all of America - is better for it, because this year we made history: We elected a president who will finally be the partner in the White House we so drastically need.

But, that's not all.

Since last October, you've been supporting me as I fought off a recall effort to put me out of office because I voted to save Michigan by supporting measures and taxes to balance the budget. My support to save Michigan spared you and other Michigan residents the painful reality of living in a State that was bankrupt; having cities lose hundreds of police and fire personnel; reduced social services for the least who could afforded and having our prisons and jails emptied to save money. All of these problems would have been further damaging given the national economic problems.

Many of you dug deep into your pockets every time I asked, allowing me to finance my campaign over 13 months of constant challenges from the opposition. With your help, we were able to win reelection with 58% of the voters in the District voting to reelect me.

Interview with Representative Robert Dean

by: philgoblue

Mon Nov 03, 2008 at 05:59:24 AM EST

Reverend Robert Dean sent me answers to our questions (thanks Representative!):

Tell us a little about yourself as a person rather than a political candidate -- your family, job, hobbies, etc.

Well, the two most important things in my life are my family and God. I've been married to my wife Bettie for 34 wonderful years, and we are the proud parents of two adult children. I've been the pastor of the New Life Church of God in Christ since 1980. I absolutely love what I do.

What first gave you the idea to run for elected office?
As pastor of my church, I had to preside over the funerals of too many kids whose deaths were the result of inner-city violence.  I decided to run for the Grand Rapids School Board so that I could direct policy toward providing mentorship and afterschool programming to keep more of our at-risk kids off of the streets.  I succeeded in my goal, and felt that I had more to offer to Grand Rapids.  So I ran and was elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission.  During my six-year tenure as a City Commissioner, I continued my work to enrich the lives of our young people.  I continued to make a positive impact on the lives of the people in Grand Rapids.  I knew that I had much more to do.  I ran for State Representative in 2006 to be the voice of the people of the 75th district; to take their concerns to Lansing and find solutions to Michigan's problems.

What makes you a Democrat?  Do you think of yourself was a specially "West Michigan Democrat" and if so, what does that mean to you?

I believe in empowering the people, not special interests and lobbyists.  As a Democrat, I believe that by empowering the people, by enriching the lives of the people... our cities, state and country will prosper and become stronger.  To me, a West Michigan Democrat is one who is socially moderate and fiscally responsible.  By this definition, I do consider myself a West Michigan Democrat.

What accomplishments from your fist term/terms are you most proud of?  That is, why do you feel that you deserve reelection?

I am extremely proud of my work to bring integrity back to our government and return it to the people. I introduced a plan that eliminates lifetime health care benefits for lawmakers, a move that will save taxpayers millions. I also voted to cut my own salary and prohibit lawmakers from becoming lobbyists for one year after leaving office. We need our legislators working for the people, not the special interests.

I also feel very good about a plan I introduced that will bring more cutting-edge jobs to Michigan by offering more tax breaks to companies that create renewable energy. I feel that renewable energy will be a key player in making our state a powerhouse of the 21st century economy.

Overall, what is your vision for Michigan, West Michigan and your district?

As I just mentioned, I see Michigan as a powerhouse of the 21st century economy. We have so many highly-skilled and hard-working residents, and we need to put them to work in high-growth fields like renewable energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
We need to use loans and grants for research and business development we can help our workers create new businesses and new jobs in our community. I will also work to create a more friendly business climate by revamping the Michigan Business Tax and elminating the business surcharge.

I see Grand Rapids playing a very big role in these high-growth fields. We already have a talented workforce and top-notch universities that are consistently turning out highly qualified workers.

more of the interview on the flip

Tietema Spells His Own Name Wrong

by: philgoblue

Wed Oct 15, 2008 at 23:59:15 PM EDT

But, you look a little closer and you see that Tietema misspelled his own name.

Tietema's incompetence and gross unprofessionalism are not what is needed in Lansing. There are 17 words on the sign, and Dean Dan can't get them all right. The guy cannot spell his own name.  And yet he thinks he'll be able to write effective legislation in Lansing?  

Of course, it's all the more funny that he put his rival's name on his own sign.

If you have minimal standards for a candidate -- correct spelling -- of their name -- on campaign publications, Dean Dan Tietema has just disqualified himself.

But, hey, we all make typos sometimes. It's no big deal, Tietema could've spelled his last name D-E-V-O-S and nobody would be able to tell the difference.

How Deep Is the Republican Hole?

by: Harris

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 10:38:38 AM EDT

The votes in play are those folk who come out for the national but not the state elections.  Especially those who come out and vote straight party -- the base.  

District 75
(Robert Dean, incumbent)
The 2004-2006 for the R is 3800.  Consider that in 2004, the D base difference was 1500, and you can see the trouble Dan Tietema is in.  He starts 1500 down, and then loses even more.  For some reason they still think there's blood in the water.  The young-Rs over at Right Michigan have made this a cause célebre.

District 73
(Bruce Hawley, challenger)
This has been such a Republican seat, no one seems to be paying attention, certainly not the incumbent Tom Pearce.  But the 2004-2006 difference is 6,000 in the base.  Bluntly, if they don't show, or if they switch (and Bruce is doing his best), this goes from a big-lead district to a virtual tie.  

Dean Protecting The Right to Vote

by: philgoblue

Thu Sep 25, 2008 at 07:02:14 AM EDT

Dean Plan Protects Voting Rights for Victims of Foreclosure: Plan preventing election fraud now heads to Senate

Yesterday, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a plan introduced by State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) that protects the right to vote for residents who have received a foreclosure notice. The plan now heads to the Senate.

Dean said:

"Voting is a right that no citizen should be denied -- no matter their age, sex, race, religion or financial status. There have been some rumors floating around that residents who have received a foreclosure notice will not be eligible to vote in the November election. That is simply not true. This plan says in no uncertain terms that a foreclosure notice is not valid grounds to challenge a voter's ballot.

In these difficult economic times, many of our working families are facing the threat of losing their home to foreclosure. I will not let their right to vote be denied."

Political parties and other organizations often send challengers to the polls to oversee election procedure, protect the rights of voters and prevent election fraud. Dean's plan will prohibit a challenger from making a challenge based solely on a voter having received a foreclosure notice.

WMR's Second Look at the West Michigan State House Races, September

by: philgoblue

Tue Sep 23, 2008 at 23:58:48 PM EDT

We've developed a ranking system based on the past voting history of the district, the financials of the campaigns, our (oftentimes limited) knowledge of the campaign organization on the ground, and the Republican opposition.

We at WMR continue to believe that we're likely headed into a tidal wave election at the national level -- given the upset wins in Strong Republican districts in Illinois, Mississippi and Louisiana, the rallying around nominee Barack Obama, the organizational strength of the Campaign for Change, the economic crisis, and an anti-incumbent mood -- and believe it is reasonable, if optimistic, to believe that we'll see that wave filter downticket to the State House races here in West Michigan. Indeed, we believe that we can increase the West Michigan Democratic delegation to the House in Lansing from the current five representatives all the way to ten. That's a big goal, but that's where we're at: 10 West Michigan Democrats in November 2008!

Earlier analysis of the 2008 State House Races:
Part I: The Democratic Incumbents
Part II: Strong Opportunity for Democratic Flips
Part III: Possible Opportunity for Democratic Flips
Part IV: Long Shot Opportunities
Part V: Likely Safe Republican Districts
An Analysis of West Michigan House Districts

And we'll look at the races one last time in late October after we've completed all our Candidate Profiles.

The Basic Rankings 
1. Doug Bennett
2. Robert Jones
3. Roy Schmidt
4. Robert Dean
5. Mary Valentine
6. Dan Scripps
7. Julie Rogers
8. Judy Truesdell
9. Mike Huckleberry
10. Bruce Hawley
11. Phyllis Smith
12. Carol Higgins
13. Roman Grucz
14. Bill Richards
etc. 

The details on the flip with poll.

Anonymous Robo Call Targets Dean

by: Harris

Wed Sep 17, 2008 at 17:37:14 PM EDT

And goes downhill from there.  The robo call lists a number of votes associated with the budget deal, including the dread Republican-sponsored tax on services.  

The message is also irate that Dean voted against the recent electric deregulation measure.  

At the end the call to action is to call Robert Dean and tell him -- so presumably this is from some lobbying firm, but there's no i.d. at the end. My guess it's utilities.

Ah, classy.

Palin Impact on Key Races

by: Harris

Thu Sep 11, 2008 at 01:51:14 AM EDT

The rough outlines of her appeal seem to be clear: her faith-tinged populism appeals to and motivates the GOP social conservative base.  Her celebrity dynamism which proves so attractive to young voters, suggests that she may also act as a positive draw for voters with social conservative leanings.  

SH-73, North Kent County
The district has a strong social conservative bent as it is, with Dems as likely to share something of the flavor (e.g. stance on abortion) as their Republican neighbors.   The risk rather comes with increased turnout. Palin's candidacy certainly creates headwind for Bruce Hawley.

Precincts at risk for Dems (Social Conservative -, Dem +, Turnout -):
City of Cedar Springs, Nelson #3, Plainfield Charter #10, Plainfield Charter #11, Plainfield Charter #3, Plainfield Charter #4, Plainfield Charter #5, Plainfield Charter #8, Plainfield Charter #9, Sparta #1, Spencer #2.

Precincts where Palin confirms GOP status (GOP+, Social Conservative +)
Algoma #1, Algoma #2, Algoma #3, Cannon #6, Courtland #2, Courtland #3, Nelson #2, Oakfield #3, Plainfield Charter #2, Plainfield Charter #7, Sparta #2, Sparta #3, Tyrone.

SH-75, east side of Grand Rapids
There is little of direct threat to incumbent Robert Dean within the city.  More troubling for the Democratic incumbent will be the strengthening of the GOP base in a sizeable number of the precincts.  Many of these same precincts in the Third Ward also make up County Commission 19 - this is bad news for Bob Synk who is working hard to unseat incumbent Nadine Klein.  Brandon Dillon, incumbent in CC-17, may also encounter some headwind, though it remains to be seen what kind of pull Palin has with Catholic social conservatives like those in the Second Ward.

Precincts at risk for Dems (Social Conservative -, Dem +, Turnout -):
2-34, 3-45, 3-55

Precincts where Palin confirms GOP status (GOP+, Social Conservative +)
2-37, 2-38, 2-43, 2-44, 2-45, 2-46, 2-47.
3-7, 3-31,3-38,3-39, 3-42, 3-43, 3-53, 3-54, 3-56, 3-57.

Sen. Stabenow headlines Dean Fundraiser

by: Harris

Sun Aug 31, 2008 at 21:55:33 PM EDT

Consider this an invite to come downtown and support part of the growing majority in the State House.  Rep. Dean faces a strong challenge this year, and will need our support.

Contact
Friends of Robert Dean
(616) 243-VOTE (8683)
or
info [at] robertdean.org

Flyer copy below the fold.

Carl Levin's West Michigan Odyssey for Rogers, Dean, Hawley, Valentine and Huckleberry

by: philgoblue

Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 23:53:36 PM EDT

Last weekend (yeah, 12 days ago ... hey, lay-off, I've been busy) the incredibly energetic Carl Levin made a swing out to West Michigan to support some great Democratic candidates for the Michigan State House of Representatives.  Now, a few things were amazing about this trip.  

First, how impressive is it that in the midst of his own reelection campaign, Senator Levin spent an entire Saturday supporting state-wide candidates. He didn't take a dime of the fundraising proceeds, just came out to support these Democrats working to improve our state from Lansing.  Now that's just selfless and impressive -- Carl is thinking about all the ways he can work to improve Michigan and build a Democratic farm team. No one can ever say that Levin has forgotten Michigan or the Michigan Democratic Party.  

Second, geez, Senator Levin must have gotten up around 6:30 am and probably made it home at about 10:00 pm and for most of that time he's got to be in full public mode which is exhausting.

Third, he pulled it off (kudos to the staff) and was on-time to everything.

The first stop was a 10:00 am house party for Julie Rogers (District 61) in Oshtemo (Kalamazoo County).  WMR's Mark Miller was there and gave the following report:

[Levin] was able to speak at some length and answer questions.

One memorable story was about trying to break a recent Republican filibuster on Medicare funding. Sen. Levin asked a colleague (I was taking pictures, so I didn't concentrate on some of the details) if Sen. Kennedy would be there to vote to close debate. He was told no, but in fact Kennedy did arrive, to thunderous applause. The Senate Dems were keeping his appearance a secret so the Republicans would not be able to react to it with another maneuver. That is the sense of Sen. Levin gave of the Senate these days - not a place of much collegiality.

All in all, a very good event with friends old and new, including former Congressman Paul Todd, Rep. Robert Jones, County Commissioners Brian Johnson (who is also Julie's manager) and Leroy Crabtree, former Rep. Mary Brown, and others.

Levin, then drove up highway-131 to downtown Grand Rapids for a fundraiser for Robert Dean (District 75).  I was able to attend that reception, though I had a bunch of things to do that morning and was late. I got to hear the tail end of Levin's remarks -- on the Iraq War.

The fundraiser was well attended and the campaign was reportedly able to raise some good funds for the upcoming battle with the winner of the Republican primary (my prediction: Tietema).  Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell introduced the Senator.  Also in attendance were City Commissioners Rosalyn Bliss (and yes she was "chipper" (and I think David LaGrand was there, but my memory is fading), Kent County Commissioners Carol Hennessy and Paul Mayhue, and Kent County Democratic Party Chair Sue Levy (there were others, I'm sure I'm leaving out, but there's no way I can find my notes on this mess of a desk).  I spent most of the time chatting with Rosalyn about the Jail Millage issue and the Green Grand Rapids initiative.  We're blessed with a lot of great progressives in Grand Rapids and Rosalyn is one who can have a very bright future.  I saw that Levin was leaving and shaking Rev. Dean's hand so I tried to get in to take a picture.  By the time I whipped out my camera Dean was gone and Levin assumed I wanted a picture with him and me in it.  So, sure, I thought and his staffer took the photo (below).  I mentioned we had met a month ago at the bloggers meeting at the Michigan Policy Summit, praised Carl for taking time out of his busy schedule to support these candidates, and mentioned that I couldn't hold a candle to his work that day since I was only doing two events.  He asked what the other one was and I replied, "I'm marching in the Sparta parade with Bruce Hawley who is a friend running for the State House in the 73rd district in northern Kent County."  Well, the Senator says, "Sparta! We were thinking about hitting that parade on the way to Muskegon."  I urged him to march with Bruce and told him that Hawley was a candidate worthy of strong Party support. I gave him Bruce's phone number and then, after Levin left (about 1:00 pm), quickly called Bruce and his campaign manager to let them know that Levin might soon be calling.  I talked with Jeff Winston, who is fast becoming a well-respected campaign staffer, and then drove up to Sparta (passing lots of Raymond and Stelma for Sheriff signs on the country roads).

I parked at Bruce's church, and then walked to the staging area where I found 75 other folks waiting to march for Bruce Hawley, but no Carl Levin.  Oh well, I thought, I tried.  But just as I turned around from a conversation with his wife Jean, up walks the Senator.  Now, Levin and Hawley don't agree on a few things, but Bruce is just a real nice guy, and it never popped into his head not play the gracious host and march right next to Carl Levin.  Bruce introduced Senator Levin to his friends and lots of photos were taken (like the one above).  It looked like it would rain on our parade, but that wasn't going to stop anyone from getting Bruce's message out to the people of Sparta.  I'll talk about the parade in a post I hope to write tomorrow, but here's a another photo:

I did get a chance to talk with and listen in on conversations with Carl Levin.  Again and again (with Elizabeth Edwards, Jennifer Granholm, Bart Stupak, Fred Miller, etc), it's always nice to see that these famous and powerful people are just regular folks when you get down to it.  Carl, I, and an old friend of Bruce spent the time walking out of the staging area toward the start discussing the chances the Tigers have to make the playoffs.

About half-way through the parade, Carl had to leave to make the next reception in Muskegon. He told me he was leaving, we shook hands again, I thanked him, and I knew that this was another indication that Bruce was getting the recognition he deserves.  Thanks again Senator Levin!

Senator Levin Tour in West Michigan Today To Support State House Candidates

by: philgoblue

Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 11:15:40 AM EDT

Julie Rogers Event with Levin
9:30-11:00 am.  
6905 Northstar, Oshtemo
off 9th street, N of W Main.
(see report below - memiller)

Rev. Robert Dean Event with Levin
(75th district, Grand Rapids)
11:30 am -- 1:30 pm at the Bite Bar and Restaurant at 151 Ottawa Ave, NW in downtown Grand Rapids.  $100/guest.  

Mary Valentine Event with Levin
(91st District, Muskegon County)
3:00 -- 5:00 pm at the Kleaveland home, 1634 Sunset Drive, North Muskegon. $50/guest.

Mike Huckleberry Event with Levin
(70th district, Montcalm and Ionia), Saturday, 19 July from 5:45 -- 8:00 pm at Huckleberry's Restaurant at 112 S. Lafayette, Greenville.  $20/guest.  Ribbon cutting on the Montcalm County Democratic Campaign Headquarters at 5:30 pm at 126 S. Lafayette. RSVP to Ed at 894-1606.

Head out, support your candidates and Senator Levin.

Robert Dean (SH-75) on Minimum Wage Raise

by: philgoblue

Wed Jul 02, 2008 at 15:00:00 PM EDT

Rep. Dean Hails Increase in Minimum Wage to $7.40
State's minimum wage increases, giving workers' paychecks needed boost

State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today hailed the increase in the minimum wage to $7.40 an hour as a victory for working families.

Dean said:

"Families all across Michigan are struggling to get by in these tough economic times. People who work hard deserve a fair wage. Today's action will help some of our hardest-working residents move away from poverty and onto the path of independence."

In 2006, the Democratic-led Michigan House along with ACORN (and John Edwards FYI) led the charge for increasing the minimum wage, passing a plan to raise Michigan's minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.40 an hour. The plan took effect in three increments, beginning in October 2006, when the minimum wage increased to $6.95 per hour. On July 1, 2007, it rose again to $7.15, and saw its final increase today to $7.40 per hour.

The higher wage will help nearly 300,000 people in Michigan -- many of whom are their families' sole breadwinners -- and boost local economies. Additionally, another 482,000 workers who make at least $7.40 an hour are expected to get a spillover pay raise as employers pay more because the floor has been raised, according to the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. Michigan is now one of 32 states plus the District of Columbia to have a minimum wage higher than the federal rate.

Dean added:

"The rising cost of everything from gas and food to rent and prescription drugs is breaking the backs of many working families. Today's increase in the minimum wage will give our workers some much-needed relief. While some businesses may have to adjust in the short-term, raising the minimum wage will create a healthier and more robust economy that will make Michigan a better place for workers and businesses in the long-run."

Viva demand-side economics!

Re-Examining the 75th

by: Harris

Sun May 25, 2008 at 22:41:52 PM EDT

But of course, that did not happen.  The tantalizing question is why?  Was it merely a matter of lucky coattails?  or did Dean and his campaign bring something to the table, something many missed?

On the surface, it's hard not to think this was in fact, merely a matter of coat-tails.  As with most races, voters drained away as they went down the ballot.  The loss from top of the ticket to house race was 1103, or roughly 20%.  Adding injury, was that slightly more than 750 voters for the Governor walked away and voted R, for a net change of 1500 votes.  

With numbers like these, it would seem that Granholm did all the heavy lifting.  But this misses the story that Peter Bratt has been tracking.  It's not what's on top that counts, but the base.

And that's another story.

WMR Interviews Representative Robert Dean

by: philgoblue

Mon May 05, 2008 at 12:12:23 PM EDT

I just got back from an interview with Representative Robert Dean who is running for reelection for a second term as the State House Representative from the 75th District in Grand Rapids.  Unfortunately, I've got to get back to work since grades are due in just 48 hours (yikes!), but I will have a full report on the hour-long interview by the end of the week.  

I can tell you that Rep. Dean comes off one-on-one as he does in public -- a nice person with great people-to-people skills, who is compasionate, passionate, thoughtful and knows how to get things done.  The interview made it clear that Dean plans on running a hard campaign for reelection based on his accomplishments in Lansing including his work on education, environment and business growth that brings jobs, his plans for further reform -- on urban transportation, corrections/prison reform, and welfare changes -- and his promise to continue to fight for Grand Rapids' fair share of state funding (as he did with making sure the construction bill included the GRCC and GVSU building projects).

So, I taped the interview and I hope you'll look for it in a few days.

Thanks to Rev. Dean's team, especially Jeff Winston for setting up the interview.  

Rep. Dean Announces West Michigan Inclusion In Stimulus Package

by: AikoAdam

Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 12:15:43 PM EDT

"Getting Grand Rapids residents back on the job is my top priority, and these projects will ensure that more Western Michigan workers have good-paying jobs to pay their mortgage and put their children through college," Dean said. "In addition, the improvements planned for these schools will give them the resources they need to prepare our students for the global economy, which is essential to making Michigan a magnet for cutting-edge businesses."

This is a follow up to Phil's post last Thursday about Rep. Sak's efforts for the funding...    

Robert Dean Announces his Reelection Campaign

by: philgoblue

Mon Apr 21, 2008 at 23:46:37 PM EDT

Earlier this morning I was at the Grand Rapids Firefighters Union Hall to watch Representative Robert Dean officially announce that he will be seeking reelection for a second term as the State House Representative from the 75th District in Grand Rapids.

After a prayer, Dean began the morning by thanking his volunteers and the people of the 75th district for defeating the recall attempt against him and not succumbing to "bully tactics" from out-of-state agitators.  Referring to the recall campaigners he stated:

Their only issue was the fact that I voted to keep the State of Michigan from going into bankruptcy; preserved our credit rating; insured our communities were safe by provide police and fire officers in the cities, and protected the vital human services we all depend on.

Quickly moving on, Dean listed some of his accomplishments in Lansing on behalf of the people of Michigan, Grand Rapids and the 75th.

Since being in Lansing I have sponsored and passed 10 bills; co-sponsored and passed 300 other bills; and co-sponsored over 600 bills. That is an impressive record for a veteran legislator not to mention a first year Representative.

I am currently drafting and proposing legislation which address rehabbing older buildings into "green" and energy efficient buildings. Additionally, I am proposing that any resident who makes their homes "green" can get a tax reduction.

Dean mentioned that his bill in response to the mortgage and foreclosure crisis was passed by the House and Senate and signed by Governor Granholm.  Dean also promised that he would again work hard to try to foster a sense of cooperation and bipartisanship in Lansing with the hope of "coming together for the good of the state."

Having made the case that he was popular, had made tough decisions for the good of the district, and was an active legislator, Reverend Dean announced he would be seeking reelection:

I am proud of my record and my service to the State and specifically the 75th District. Therefore; I have decided to seek another term as the State Representative of the 75th District. I will continue to make the changes the public demand in order to preserve their quality of life, jobs and public safety.

Although the 75th is traditionally a swing district and Dean's election in 2006 was a bit of an upset, the district continues to trend Democratic and flush with a victory against the recallers, with strong support from the city and Democratic county officials, a proven staff and core of volunteers, and in a likely Democratic year, Dean has a strong chance to gain another two year mandate from the people of Grand Rapids.

It's going, going, GONE!

by: JWinston

Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 22:31:52 PM EDT

As I predicted publicly at last months Kent County Democratic Party meeting, the recall would end shortly after April 14th.  April 14th falls 90 days after the Jan. 15th Primary Election day... the day in which the Recall effort paid big money to recruit and hire petition gatherers.  

While Jeff Steinport of the KCFFR would not release the numbers on how many signatures they collected during their 90 day window... the Dean campaign has it on good authority that the Recall effort collected nearly 1000 signatures - a far cry from the 8700+ needed.  In fact, 700 of those signatures were acquired on Jan. 15th.  Since the 90 day window has extended beyond Jan. 15th, the KCFFR was left with less than 200 usable signatures.

As for Steinport's comments to the GR Press,

"Unfortunately, we've had to suspend the campaign," Steinport said. "It was too difficult in the winter. We didn't have enough time to collect the signatures we needed."

Get real... it was cold for us too.  We didn't whine and complain that we couldn't get our job done.  Nope... we were out there in the same cold as Steinports folks.  And guess what, Dean's supporters weren't getting paid to be there like the signature gatherers.  They were out fighting for what they believe in.

As for Steinport's claim that they didn't have enough time.  Maybe the Taxpayers to Recall Robert Dean organization was not very organized.

This failed Recall effort has done little more than solidify the strength of Representative Robert Dean.

Sak & Dean Push Senate Republicans to End Immunity for Drug Companies

by: philgoblue

Thu Feb 28, 2008 at 10:40:49 AM EST

Monday, House Democrats -- including Kent County's Michael Sak and Robert Dean -- called on the Senate Majority Leader Michael Bishop to allow a package of bills that will end the absolute immunity enjoyed by the pharmaceutical industry in Michigan and allow consumers to hold big drug companies accountable when dangerous drugs such as Vioxx harm or kill to come up in the Senate. The State House passed the package over a year ago -- on 22 February 2007.

The package of bills will:

* Repeal a 1996 law granting legal immunity to drug companies. Passed by then-Governor John Engler and the Republican-controlled Legislature, the law gives companies complete immunity from legal action so long as the drug in question has been approved for safety and efficacy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
* Make the repeal retroactive so that residents harmed by dangerous drugs since 1996 can seek legal recourse.
* Include big drug companies in the Consumer Protection Act, from which they are currently exempted.

State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) comment on the bill at the press conference:

"Even though Merck has agreed to pay almost $5 billion to people who were harmed by Vioxx, victims in Michigan are at a disadvantage because they live in a state that puts the profits of a billon-dollar industry ahead of people.  That's completely unacceptable. I urge the Senate to act with urgency and pass the House plan repealing drug immunity."

State Representative and Speaker Pro Tempore Michael Sak (D-Grand Rapids) added:

"It's been one year since the House passed a plan to end that free ride, but those bills have languished in the Republican-led Senate.  Our residents need justice."

Just a note: Michigan is the only state in the United State of America where it is illegal to sue a pharmaceutical companies for damages if the drug in question was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

So, once again the Republican leadership in the Senate holding on to their slim majority on their side of the Capitol use their obstruct-and-stall campaign on behalf of powerful moneyed interests, against Michigan citizens, and in hopes of preventing any popular policies from being inacted by Governor Granholm and the Democratic House.

Dean and Sak were in part representing the interests of the Grand Rapids constituent Shiela Bokenkotter who had a stroke caused in part by Vioxx (GR Press has that story).

(the petition is on the flip)