Evaluating candidates

Between the Lines has published their Voter Guide. They endorse some candidates across the state and also show if a candidate is endorsed by other human rights groups or endorsed by Fundie groups. Their primary consideration is whether a candidate is pro-gay, through I've found that if a candidate isn't there are likely huge numbers of other things I don't like about the candidate. So, the BTL recommendations…

Governor -- Virg Bernero

11th Congressional District -- Natalie Mosher. BTL thinks she has a good chance to rid us of McCotter. You'll have to check the voter guide for your own Congressional, state senate, and state house races.

State Attorney General -- David Leyton.

State Supreme Court -- Alton Tom Davis, Denise Langford Morris

Secretary of State -- Jocelyn Benson. Detroit Free Press also highly praises her because to prepare for the job she studied the Sec. State job in 30 other states.

For the races above BTL explains its choices. For the rest they only give their endorsement.

State Board of Education -- Elizabeth Bauer, Lupe Ramos- Montigny

MSU trustees -- Dennis Denno, Colleen McNamara

UM regents -- Paul Brown, Greg Stephens

WSU governors -- Ed Bruley, Brenda Moon

Proposal 1 to call a state constitutional convention -- No. I really wish BTL had given their reasoning for this one because I disagree. I agree instead with the Detroit Free Press which said that (1) state government is dysfunctional, (2) the only people who campaigning hard for the "no" vote are the ones who know how to twist state government to their advantage, and (3) the cost of the convention won't be as high as what is claimed and would be worth it to get a functioning government.

Proposal 2 to prohibit felons from holding public office -- No. On this one I agree. I'm one who believes in second chances.

Strangely, there isn't much enthusiasm for a redo of the Michigan constitution. Newsweek says support for the idea is only 1 in 4. I suspect the millions poured in to ads for the "no" side are effective.