In the November 1st State News, columnist Leo Madarang wrote on why Mitt Romney was the 'right man' to be president. In it, he stated that Governor Romney's qualifications as a former CEO of Bain Capital and his gubernatorial accomplishments are the reasons he is the 'right man' to lead America.

However, there is another man in the race who was also a CEO and also a successful governor, plus an international player. This is Governor Bill Richardson. Toe-to-toe, he has many times more accomplishments than the entire Republican field put together. Under his stewardship, New Mexico balanced its budget five years in a row, and even grew its rainy day fund by over $4 billion. His tax cuts have been targeted to give low-income and middle-income people a break, and also to attract businesses small and large. His policies have created over 80,000 new jobs, lowering unemployment to the lowest it's been in 30 years. Richardson also has international experience, disarming dictators and saving lives.

The only thing Romney has that Richardson doesn't is a vague Michigan connection. However, if he is truly 'Michigan's son', then why did he move out? Where did he open up his company? Where was he when Michigan was going through hard times before? The answer is: not here. Now, when Michigan is useful to him in the campaign, he comes back pandering.

When making a decision for whom best to run the country, look at the facts. Don't get swayed by political pandering.

Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Richardson

This past week, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed legislation to move Michigan's presidential primaries up to January 15th. Already, there have been strong reactions to this in the media. Passing this legislation was a grievous mistake, and has bad ramifications for the State of Michigan, as well as the state of democracy.

Ever since the Senate passed this bill along party lines, there has been speculation as to what would happen if Michigan joined Florida in contesting the rules of the Democratic and Republican parties. Several candidates, including Clinton, Obama, Richardson, and Dodd, signed a pledge to not campaign in any state that violates caucus/primary guidelines. On the Republican side, Michigan may loose half of its delegates to the RNC due to this violation of their rules.

This legislation also has negative ramifications for the State's fiscal crisis. Normally, each party is required to pay for and host their own primary in whatever manner they see fit. However, now the responsibility is shifted to the State. Each polling precinct is now required to mobilize for these member-only elections. These costs will come out of the State's coffers. When looking in the hole of a $1 billion deficit, tacking on another $10-12 million is fiscally irresponsible, especially when these votes are not open to all citizens.

Changing our primary date will also impact democracy in this state. Already Michigan is struggling to be significant in national politics; by turning away candidates, it will only hurt our standing. Instead of welcoming all candidates and giving them an equal footing, voters will be ill-informed of the real choices they have. The less-well covered candidates, such as Governor Bill Richardson, will be at a disadvantage to the 'media rock stars' of Clinton and Obama.

Do not support this irresponsible crimp on democracy. Let your voice be heard in opposition to this horrible idea, and preserve the sanctity of democracy, and the contents of our bank accounts.

-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Richardson

To the Editors of The State News:

I would like to write today in regards to the cartoon printed in the Wednesday, August 29, 2007 edition of The State News, relating to the 'reservations' some seem to have with Senators Obama and Clinton in their bid for the presidency. The portrayal of Obama as a weak child and of Clinton as enraged and manly, was offensive, and takes away credibility from those who do have legitimate concerns with their leadership ability. Senator Obama could be viewed as inexperienced, it is wrong to characterize him as weak. While Senator Clinton does appear to many to be too much of a 'Washington insider', the gender jokes should be reserved for a more appropriate venue, such as the halls of a local middle school.

The cartoon also continues to demonstrate the unwillingness of The State News to cover the other candidates in the Presidential Roundup. The Republicans are virtually nonexistent in coverage, and solid Democrats such as Bill Richardson or John Edwards seem wholly discounted.

If you are going cover politics, cover them equally and fairly. Do not hop on to one train of thought and ride it to the detriment of those more legitimate. As an influential publication with a large readership, you have the duty to be fair to your readers, and provide them with content that caters to the college intellect, rather than the gutter-mindedness of teenagers.

-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Richardson