GOP LEADERSHIP CONFAB

The September Michigan Republicans 36th Biennial Leadership Conference on Mackinac is usually fertile ground for a number of gossip items from the get-together, starting with the observation from several of those in attendance who said that unlike other gatherings in the past couple of years, the GOP seems to be more united, much like “the old days,” as one observer’s assessment put it. As is standard practice at this confab, there was the straw poll of how Republicans viewed the party’s race for governor. Congressman John (what am I running for this month) James came in fourth in the poll with a reported 14 percent of the approximate 500 votes cast at the gathering. A number of party members were critical of the lack of effort and early exit from the conference by James. Coming in second in the straw poll was former House Speaker Tom Leonard at 23.5 percent, and in third place was former AG Mike Cox with 18.5 percent. A number of lessor known candidates rounded out the polling. Leading the straw poll was current state Senator Aric Nesbitt with 29 percent. One party insider pointed out that in the last two past straw votes held at the conference, the winner of the poll ended up being the primary victor for the office of governor.