Jones to Lead Michigan Legislative Black Caucus; Dean Remains Secretary

by: philgoblue

Tue Dec 09, 2008 at 06:09:25 AM EST

MIRS reports that State Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo; State House District 60) will replace Representative Brenda Clack (D-Flint) as the chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus for the 2009-2010 term.

The bi-partisan caucus will have 25 members (22 Democrats and three Republicans) after losing four, but gaining 8 new members.  

The rest of the Caucus' officers include
* Vice Chairperson is Representative Shanelle Jackson(D-Detroit)
* First Vice Chairperson is Representative-elect Fred Durhal (D-Detroit)
* Second Vice Chairperson is Representative-elect Woodrow Stanley (D-Flint)
* Secretary is Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids)
* Treasurer is Representative-elect Jimmy Womack (D-Detroit)  

The Jones Report: Interview with Candidate Phyllis Smith

by: philgoblue

Mon Sep 29, 2008 at 23:06:40 PM EDT

Thursdays at 7:00 pm on Cable Channel 19
Fridays at 9:00 pm on Cable Channel 20
and on the radio on WKDS, 89.9 FM at announced times.

This week, Representative Jones interviewed Phyllis Smith, Democratic candidate for the 63rd District State House seat.  I cannot get the embed to work, but you can view the 25 minute interview here.

WMR's Second Look at the West Michigan State House Races, September

by: philgoblue

Tue Sep 23, 2008 at 23:58:48 PM EDT

We've developed a ranking system based on the past voting history of the district, the financials of the campaigns, our (oftentimes limited) knowledge of the campaign organization on the ground, and the Republican opposition.

We at WMR continue to believe that we're likely headed into a tidal wave election at the national level -- given the upset wins in Strong Republican districts in Illinois, Mississippi and Louisiana, the rallying around nominee Barack Obama, the organizational strength of the Campaign for Change, the economic crisis, and an anti-incumbent mood -- and believe it is reasonable, if optimistic, to believe that we'll see that wave filter downticket to the State House races here in West Michigan. Indeed, we believe that we can increase the West Michigan Democratic delegation to the House in Lansing from the current five representatives all the way to ten. That's a big goal, but that's where we're at: 10 West Michigan Democrats in November 2008!

Earlier analysis of the 2008 State House Races:
Part I: The Democratic Incumbents
Part II: Strong Opportunity for Democratic Flips
Part III: Possible Opportunity for Democratic Flips
Part IV: Long Shot Opportunities
Part V: Likely Safe Republican Districts
An Analysis of West Michigan House Districts

And we'll look at the races one last time in late October after we've completed all our Candidate Profiles.

The Basic Rankings 
1. Doug Bennett
2. Robert Jones
3. Roy Schmidt
4. Robert Dean
5. Mary Valentine
6. Dan Scripps
7. Julie Rogers
8. Judy Truesdell
9. Mike Huckleberry
10. Bruce Hawley
11. Phyllis Smith
12. Carol Higgins
13. Roman Grucz
14. Bill Richards
etc. 

The details on the flip with poll.

A message from 60th District state Representative Robert Jones

by: memiller

Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:33:30 PM EDT

Robert Jones Preparing for State House Leadership Position Now ... and maybe more in 2010

by: philgoblue

Mon Aug 18, 2008 at 20:02:58 PM EDT

Leadership PACs give politicians a way to raise money and then distribute that money to candidates who might later be colleagues and might then be willing to support the previous donor in their quest to gain a leadership position in the legislature.  In other words, it's a way for powerful, well-funded politicians to raise money for candidates in tough races who then are more disposed to supporting someone who backed them in their time of need.  The citizens who give to a leadership PAC understand that they're making their representative more powerful. Like most anything, in the hands of the good, this is fine, in the hands of the bad ... we'll that's another story.

Rich Robinson, executive director for the Michigan Campaign Finance Network told the Kalamazoo Gazette that Jones' fundraising has been impressive:

"It stood out for a new PAC -- this was a big new PAC. You don't find many freshman who have a leadership PAC like his."

The latest financial disclosure statement in July showed Jones has already given $4,200 to four state House Democratic candidates from Wayne County (including George Cushingberry) and has also donated to State House Democrats in south-west Michigan like Julia Rogers, Kate Segal, and Judy Truesdell.  Jones has also been extremely generous to his county party, giving the Kalamazoo Democrats $10,000. Now, that's what an elected official should do!

Jones has $47,503.06 cash-on-hand in JAMPAC.

We can only hope Jones is gearing up for not only his future in the House, but a really important 2010 election when West Michigan will be the key to taking back the Michigan Senate!