We need one last push to get Lansing to FINALLY pass Sudan Divestment!

The Senate has the potential to show it won't play politics with the lives of innocent civilians in Darfur who are dying and running out of food and time.

However, we need your help to give one final push! Call or e-mail the Senate committee members to make them do the right thing and vote YES!

Suggested script: "As a concerned constituent, I would like to ask Senator_______________ to call for a vote on House Bill 4854, and vote YES to help save the people of Darfur at no cost to us!"

Please, call today!

The contact information for the leadership is is below:

Senator Mike Bishop: (517) 373-2417
senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov

Michelle McManus: (517) 373-1725
senmmcmanus@senate.michigan.gov

Alan Cropsey: 866-305-2133
senacropsey@senate.michigan.gov

Cameron Brown: (517) 373-5932
sencbrown@senate.michigan.gov

Mark Schauer: 888-962-6275
senmschauer@senate.michigan.gov

Buzz Thomas: 866-348-6304
senbthomas@senate.michigan.gov

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