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Big Ten Announces Football Division Alignments and 2011 and 2012 Conference Schedules
Big Ten division winners to meet in inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game
Sept. 1, 2010
Park Ridge, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference office announced football division alignments beginning with the 2011 season as recommended by conference directors of athletics and reviewed and supported by the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors. Nebraska will officially begin conference competition in 2011, giving the Big Ten 12 football programs for the first time in conference history.
The winner of each Big Ten division will meet in the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game, to be played December 3, 2011, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The championship game will determine the Big Ten Champion and the conference's participant in the Rose Bowl Game or Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game.
The Big Ten football division alignments will include a division featuring Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin, and a division featuring Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern. Each school will play the other five schools within its division and will also face three teams from the other division, including one cross-division matchup guaranteed on an annual basis. The guaranteed cross-division matchups are Illinois-Northwestern, Indiana-Michigan State, Ohio State-Michigan, Penn State-Nebraska, Purdue-Iowa and Wisconsin-Minnesota. Names for each Big Ten football division will be announced at a later date.
Football this Saturday. Can't watch -- canvassing -- but will tivo.
Governor: Virg Bernero (Lansing)
Lt. Governor: Brenda Lawrence (Southfield)
Attorney General: David Leyton (Genesse County)
Secretary of State: Jocelyn Benson (Detroit)
University of Michigan Board of Regents: Greg Stephens and Paul Brown.
MSU Board of Trustees: Colleen McNamara and Dennis Denno
Wayne State Board of Governors: Brenda Moon and Ed Bruley
State School Board: Liz Bauer and Lupe Ramos-Montigny (Grand Rapids!)
Supreme Court: Judge Alton Davis and Judge Denise Langford Morris
Republican Ticket
Governor: Rick Snyder (Ann Arbor)
Lt. Governor Brian Calley (Portland)
Attorney General: Bill Schuette (Midland)
Secretary of State: Ruth Johnson (Oakland County)
That's nobody from the West Michigan heartland (Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan) or from Southwest Michigan. Ionia, heck, that's fringe West Michigan at best.
University of Michigan Board of Regents: Andrew Richner and Andrea Fischer Newman.
MSU Board of Trustees: Mitch Lyons and Brian Breslin
Wayne State Board of Governors: Diane Dunaskiss and Danialle Karmanos
State School Board: Eileen Weiser and Richard Zeile.
State Supreme Court: Robert Young and Mary Beth Kelly (thus another West Michigander -- Jane Markey -- was kept off the Republican ticket).
I'm guessing West Michigan Republicans are none too pleased with this ticket -- they shouldn't be, they've been snubbed.
For State Board of Education: Lupe Ramos-Montigny. Lupe would be the only teacher, West Michigander and Latino on the board and on the Democratic ticket. She's very bright and has been a tireless worker for the cause.
For Wayne State University board: Ed Bruley. Met Ed in Iowa a few years back. He's Bonior's longtime chief of staff and currently a Macomb County Commissioner.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to make it, though there is a chance I'll be there on Sunday.
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Above are Phil's recommendations; I'll add mine here rather than create another diary.
I second Lupe Ramos-Montigny for State Board of Education. I've spoken with her a number of times, and she is great. So is Elizabeth Bauer for the same office. I learned quite a lot just by being in on an interview with her.
Sam Singh and Dennis Denno for MSU Board of Trustees.
Why does Jordan have a picture of an unknown woman seemingly busting a gut laughing at the idea of Bush being a State Representative? Strange imaging from the Bush Campaign.
You are invited to the July First Friday Fundraiser for Michigan Citizen Action.
Friday, 9 July, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, in the Ottawa Tavern in the Waters Building
Michigan Citizen Action, a member-based organization, will be on the ground in Kent County beginning this summer to help get underrepresented and 2008-first-time voters to the polls in November 2010. If we can show an interest in supporting this state-wide progressive group, then we might be able to convince them to open a permanent office in Grand Rapids! Let's all help build a progressive infrastructure here in West Michigan. This is a cause everyone can rally around.
From a Dillon Press Release (if I have the time, I'm happy to pass this along for our state-wide candidates who are making public appearances in West Michigan).
Dillon to discuss education, other vital state issues in Grand Rapids
Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andy Dillon is stopping in Grand Rapids on Friday to discuss his strong support for education during a stop on his "Renewing the Michigan Dream" tour.
Dillon is appearing at 10 a.m. at Creston High School, 1720 Plainfield Ave.
Dillon has been a forceful advocate for keeping dollars in the classroom even under tough budget conditions. In his role as House Speaker, last week Dillon stood up against Senate Republican efforts to raid the state's school aid fund to balance the general fund budget.
"Providing a strong educational foundation for our children is vital to Michigan's long-term economic success," Dillon said. "We need to give our children the tools to attract the jobs of the 21st century and stop the exodus of young people from our state."
In addition to his emphasis on protecting funding for our classrooms, Dillon plans to expand pre-Kindergarten education programs and restore funding for the Michigan Promise Scholarship Program for postsecondary education.
Education is a key component of Dillon's Renewing the Michigan Dream plan, but far from the only one. While touring the state, he is also engaging the voters in discussions on important issues such as jobs and economic growth, revitalizing our cities, reforming government, boosting clean energy programs and protecting our state's natural resources.
Yesterday, the Teapublicans continued to nominate some largely unelectable candidates. The Country Club Establishment cannot hold. They tried to ride the tiger -- it looks like they're frequently getting eaten. And, this is good news.
The latest Washington Post poll shows broad public opposition to the Tea (really Whiskey) Party.
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of the political movement known as the Tea Party? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
Those numbers show a major dip in public opinion on the Tea Party. The last poll was in March and now favorables are down 5 and unfavorables are up 11.
So, the Teabaggers are powerful enough to often win Republican primaries -- Sharron Angle in Nevada and Nikki Haley in South Carolina -- but almost certainly not powerful enough to then push their candidates over the top in November general elections unless the seat is very safe Republican.
Here in Kent County it'll be interesting to see the outcomes of the Civil War in the Old Party: Amash v Heacock v Hardiman, Bush v Goei (huh), etc.
W was invited by the Economic Club of Grand Rapids (did they invite Hoover in 1934?) to speak. Apparently he said that his greatest disappointment as president was "failing to push through Social Security reform." Really? Really? I understand W doesn't read newspapers, but imagine what would have happened had Bush and his Republicans forced folks to throw their money, unsecured, into those crooked Wall Street banks just two or three years before the stock market collapse and the Bush Recession? Proof positive that Republicans cannot be trusted to hold power in this difficult economic situation (largely created by those same failed policies).
Yesterday's election results match perfectly with what I'm hearing from voters at the door in Kent County. Incumbents are in trouble. In anything resembling a swing district, elected officials with ties to Lansing are likely to be sounding like Specter this coming election night. There certainly isn't any rage against Democrats in general. Indeed, nationally, with Murtha's PA-12 seat held, Democrats are now undefeated in the seven special US House elections since November 2008 (PA-12, NY-23, CA-10, NY-20, IL-14, MS-1, LA-6). Bet you hadn't heard that from herd media. Is the far-right more vocal this cycle? Yes, I've seen four yellow flags around GR. But, those were always Republican or Libertarian votes. Among most voters, Wall Street and the oil spill has soured folks on Libertarian dogma. In short, there is no coming Republican wave. Quality candidates, especially those that aren't "of Lansing," will win. Thus, I think our team is poised for some major wins in November.
Outgoing U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers insists he is not endorsing in the Republican primary to replace him, but he made it clear there are two - and only two - candidates who interest him. Asked for his take on the field during a taping of WGVU's West Michigan Week on Friday, Ehlers said there are "a couple very good candidates" he could support.
He then listed reasons why he likes Steve Heacock, a former Kent County board chair and administrator at the Van Andel Institute, and state Sen. Bill Hardiman.
Not acknowledged: the first candidate in the race, state Rep. Justin Amash. Pressed on that, Ehlers demurred. "It's a great choice for the public with those two."
Where I'll be voting for Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State.
I'm pulling a Hamlet on AG. I've met them both, their both smart, have campaign skills, great biographies with compelling stories, and general election campaign strategies that make sense. I can't see how the Party can go wrong with either candidate as both will be strong in the general election and a great AG. I'll probably be making up my mind there "in the ballot booth."
Also, looking forward to checking out the 9 people who have shown interest in being a MDP nominated Supreme Court candidate.
Are you going (I hear their may be 10-15 thousand people!)? Who are you voting for? --------------------------------------------------------------------
shameless ad edit by memiller:
Fellow Democrats!
The Justice Caucus, Michigan's Progressive Democratic Caucus
Invites You to Our MDP Endorsement Convention Program
April 17, 2010, 9 am, Rooms D3: 16 - 18, Cobo Hall, Detroit
Our Topic: "Supreme Challenge 2010 -- The Quest for Justice" How Supreme Court Justices, the Secretary of State and Attorney General Affect the Quality of Justice
Featuring:
Nationally Renowned Trial Attorney, Geoffrey Fieger, on: "The State of the Michigan Supreme Court & the Human Face of Victims of Injustice"
Wayne State Law Professor, Jocelyn Benson, on: "How Michigan's Secretary of State Can Deliver Justice at the Polls."
Public Interest Attorney, Richard Bernstein, on: "How Michigan's Attorney General Can Restore Justice to Consumers"
and then, time permitting, candidates for statewide and other offices.
Come Join Us. It will be lively!
Coffee and Water Available
Files this under: my goodness, we're not doing this already?!
Thank goodness Mark is around to fight for American jobs.
From a Schauer Press Release yesterday:
Schauer announces legislation to block Chinese goods from U.S. government contracts Chinese-made promotional materials for U.S. Census demonstrate how unfair trade policies hurt American workers, business
JACKSON - Today Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) announced legislation he's planning to introduce that would block Chinese goods from U.S. government contracts until American companies are treated fairly in China. At a press conference this morning, Schauer pointed out promotional materials for the U.S. Census that were made in China as an example of how unfair trade agreements are hurting American businesses and workers.
"The goal of the Census is to perform an accurate head count of American citizens to ensure our communities get their fair share from Washington," said Schauer. "While I fully support this effort, it's shameful that our tax dollars are being spent on promotional materials that were made in China instead of being produced by American businesses and workers. That's why I'm introducing legislation to stop Chinese firms from bidding on U.S. government contracts until our companies are treated fairly in China."
Currently, goods that were produced by Chinese firms are being used for state and federal government contracts in the United States across multiple industries - such as manufacturing, construction and renewable energy - instead of goods prod uced by American workers and businesses. Schauer's bill would level the playing field for American businesses and make sure taxpayer-funded projects create jobs in America, not China.
According to a recent report from the Economic Policy Institute, 2.4 million American jobs have been lost or displaced as a result of the burgeoning trade deficit with China since it joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. During that time, the State of Michigan lost 67,800 jobs, including 4,700 in the 7th district alone, due to unfair trade with China.
District 20 Kalamazoo Robert Jones District 21 Berrien, Cass, Van Buren
Scott Elliott District 24 Allegan, Barry, Eaton
Michelle DiSano District 28 Kent (part)
Robin Golden District 29 Kent (part) David LaGrand District 30 Ottawa
John Chester District 34 Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Newaygo Mary Valentine District 35 Northwest LP Roger Dunigan District 37 Grand Traverse & north Bob Carr
Michigan State House Candidates
District 59 (St. Joseph & Cass Counties)
Carol Higgins District 60 (Kalamazoo) Sean McCann District 61 (Kalamazoo) Thomas Batten District 63 (Kalamazoo)
David Morgan District 70 (Ionia & Montcalm Counties) Mike Huckleberry District 72 (Kentwood & Cascade)
Brian Bosak District 73 (Kent County)
Jerrod Roberts District 74 (Ottawa County)
Leon Chase District 75 (Grand Rapids) Brandon Dillon District 76 (Grand Rapids) Roy Schmidt District 77 (Wyoming)
Scott Baron District 78 (Berrien County) Cindy Ellis District 79 (Berrien County) Julee Laurent District 80 (VanBuren) Tom Erdmann District 86 (Kent County)
Frank Hammond District 87 (Barry & Ionia Counties)
Greg Grieves District 89 (Ottawa County)
Donald Bergman District 91 (Muskegon)
Ben Gillette District 92 (Muskegon)
Marcia Hovey-Wright District 100 (Newaygo, Lake, and Oceana Counties)
Donald Bergman District 101 (Northwest) Dan Scripps
County Commissions Candidates
Allegan County Commission
9 Fritz Spreitzer (I)
10 April Carvalho
Barry County Commission
1 Bob Dickinson
Benzie County Commission
3 Kristin Hollenbeck (I)
4 Anne Damm (I)
6 Donald Tanner (I)
Berrien County Commission
3 Marletta Seats (I)
4 Mamie Yarbrough (I)
10 Andrew Vavra (I)
11 Jess Minks
12 Michael Ringler
13 John Klimek (I)
Cass County Commission
1 Ed Goodman (I)
7 David Taylor (I)
9 Judy Helpingstine
11 Clark Cobb (I)
12 Minnie Warren (I)
13 Johnie Rodebush (I)
14 Debbie Johnson (I)
Grand Traverse County Commission
1 Bernol Soutar
Ionia County Commission
1 Lynn Mason (I)
4 Mark Vroman (I)
Kalamazoo County Commission
1 Jack Urban (I)
2 Carolyn Alford (I)
3 Robert Barnard (I)
4 John Taylor (I)
5 Brian Johnson (I)
6 Mike Seals
7 David Buskirk (I)
9 Chuck Vliek
10 Michael Quinn (I)
11 Barb Hammon
12 Scott McCormick
13 Harvey Hanna
15 Leroy Crabtree
16 Thomas Post
17 Jerry Rudolph
Kent County Commission
1 Mary Lauka
2 Patricia Kramer
3 James Black
4 Fred Clowney
6 James Rinck
7 Al Nielsen
8 Keith Courtade (I)
9 Duane Sprague
10 Albert Abbasse
11 Russell Duffin
12 Pete Hickey (I)
13 Kyle Hinton
14 Carol Hennessy (I)
15 Dick Bulkowski (I)
16 Jim Talen (I)
17 Candace Chivis
18 Richard Tormala
19 Bob Synk (I)
Leelanau County Commission
3 Jason Harrall
6 David Marshall (I)
7 Karl Dungjen
Manistee County Commission
2 Marlene E. Wood-Zylstra
3 Glenn Lottie (I)
4 Ervin A. Kowalski (I)
5 Karl R. Waitner
6 Jim Krolczyk (I)
7 Carl Rutske (I)
Montcalm County Commission
1 Ronald C. Blanding (I)
Mason County Commission
5 Jerome Rybicki (I)
8 David Fonnesbeck
Musekgon County Commission
1 Kenneth Mahoney (I)
2 Charles Buzzell (I)
4 James Derezinski (I)
5 Carl Wentzlof
6 Lew Collins (I)
7 Scott Plummer
8 Anthony Longmire
9 Rillastine Wilkins
10 Benjamin Cross
11 John Jurkas
Newaygo County Commission
1 Barbara Geno (I)
5 Rick Werkema
Oceana County Commission
1 David Spitler
5 Evelyn Kolbe (I)
Ottawa County Commission
3 Jeff Williams
Van Buren County Commission
1 Claudia Maddox
3 Al Hughes
