COLUMNIST HARRY WHITELEY: A letter to my friend, Karl
Karl Vogelheim, you are gone but not forgotten! It?s the political season that?s brought you to mind and how I wish we could be trading barbs. I am frequently stopped on the street, at the post office or the bank, and people offer up the comment, ?I wish Karl was still here so you two could go at it again.? Since you?ve left us, I?ll just give you an overview of what?s going on, ?as I see it.?
The world is in chaos with terrorists spreading their hatred throughout many parts of the world and you can be thankful there is peace and quiet where you reside. On the other hand, you would be in your glory watching the Democrats beat up on George Bush. The Iraq war is the centerpiece of the national debate with your guys blaming Bush for getting us into this tragic conflict. I, for one, think it was a mistake but in defense of the president I would remind this vocal group that members of Congress had the same intelligence the president had and joined him in going to war.
They seem to forget that and continue day by day blaming him, not only for the war, but for most any other problems we have. This, of course, is politics and the democrats will do or say anything with an election coming up. They want to take over Congress. I might add that while all this Democratic rhetoric goes on about George Bush?s handling of the war, not one of his detractors have ever said how they would conduct it. In fact, I?ll bet down in their gut they are happy it?s Bush?s baby, not theirs. So much for your friends who have been out to get George Bush. After five years of the Democrats bashing the Bush administration, the contempt seems to be rubbing off on any Republican office seeker, be he or she an outstanding public servant.
This situation may mean your buddies could take over the House of Representatives, which, in itself, even I could tolerate, but the danger is this: If the Dems prevail, Nancy Pelosi, a left wing radical, could become the next speaker of the house and third in line for the presidency. Even you, I think, would be nervous with her in that role. Statewide, we have a real race going on for the governorship. I had thought Jennifer Granholm was a shoo-in for a second term, but surprisingly, her opponent, Dick DeVos, is making it a tight race. Michigan has the worst economy of any state in the union, as well as the highest unemployment rate, with Granholm, the sitting governor, taking most of the heat. DeVos supporters think their candidate, who is a successful businessman, can turn things around. I hate to give in to you, but my guess is she will squeak out a victory. She?s so darn attractive it?s difficult not to be on her side.
We have another hot race and that?s for the senate. Debbie Stabenow hasn?t accomplished much in her first term and I hope Mice Bouchard, Oakland County Sheriff, will end her tenure in office. You would like him, Karl, even if he is a Republican because he?s a doer.
We have a couple or three interesting local races. Howard Viegelahn, a local farmer/businessman, has decided to get into politics and is making quite a bid to unseat the incumbent, Matt Gillard of Alpena. Howard knows it?s an uphill battle to unseat an incumbent, but we?ve got to hand it to him for the effort he?s making. He?s campaigning all over the district and making a good impression. Another is a race for a newly created judgeship for a new court.
Due to a recent change in Michigan law, effective January 2007, the probate judge in Presque Isle County, and I quote, ?shall have the jurisdiction, powers, duties, and title of a district judge, in addition to the jurisdiction, powers, duties, and title of a probate judge.? According to Circuit Judge Scott Pavlich, it will be substantially a new position for whoever wins the election. Former prosecutor Don McLennan and incumbent probate judge Kenneth Radzibon are seeking the office and it will be an interesting race. The outcome will depend on which of the two the voters feel is best equipped to handle the duties of the new court. We?ll soon find out.
The third race that?s created a bit of interest pits Milt Very against incumbent Mike Darga for a seat on the county board of commissioners. Mike?s been around for a long t
One of these days we will have a new President and we can only guess who it will be. There are numerous aspirants who would like the democratic nomination including Senator Joe Biden, John Kerry, Bob Edwards, Al Gore, and Hillary Clinton. I don?t think they want any also ? rans and while Clinton seems to be the front runner, I predict it won?t be her. The republicans will have their wannabees, but my favorites are John McCain or Matt Romney.
There?s more but I?m running out of space. Will be in touch; hopefully, it will be by letter.