Michigan's 80th District: Who Is Candidate Mary Whiteford?

The 80th district has been under the microscope and all candidates have been under that microscope except for one. 

 Who is candidate Mary Whiteford? 

She says she is a Christian, conservative and a patriot that honors the Republican Platform, but what we have found out puts all that into question.

We know that she has been endorsed by GLEP, the Great Lakes Education Project, which is a Devos backed "non-profit." The board consists of Jim Barrett, Betsy Devos, Greg McNeilly and former Speaker of the Michigan House, Jase Bolger.

Greg McNeilly Wedding Day

You may remember that Greg McNeilly, who has been dubbed Dick Devos' right hand man, was one of the first ones to get married in 2014 when gay marriage was legal.  

Could this be another reason, besides Common Core, why GLEP endorsed Mary Whiteford?  See Mary Whiteford has been very quiet about her daughter Alisa -- an open lesbian according to an e-mail we received with photos that indicate that fact. 

 At the 2014 League of Women Voters Candidate Forum,  Mary was the only candidate who said yes she would consider expanding special protections for sexual orientation under the Elliott Larsen Act. This expansion would include transgenders, homosexuals, bi-sexuals, and lesbians. The expansion could mean opposite sex in bathrooms and locker rooms.

 Would you want a man dressed as a women in the same bathroom or locker room with your child or daughter?  It could also force Christian businesses to hire those that go against their religious beliefs.  

Mary wrote in an email to a voter dated Monday, September 30, 2013 9:12AM: "Yes, if voters overturn the one-man one-woman law I would support marriage equally. I also wouldn't be surprised if that part of the Michigan constitution is found unconstitutional in the future." - Mary Whiteford

 In addition, on the 2-14 MLive Voter Guide when asked, "Do you support legally recognized gay marriage?", Mary skipped that question and left it blank.

Mary does not dispute that she was an active member of the American Association of University Women.  Mary stated though that had she stopped her membership when she found out it was a very pro-choice organization.  However, not only does this group promote abortion on demand, but anyone can take a quick look at the policies of the AAUW and see that they are a very liberal organization.   They stand against Hobby Lobby and support among other things: affirmative action, celebrating Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender lifestyles, global interdependence, the United Nations, international abortion programs, same sex marriage, and raising the federal minimum wage.   Who just joins an organization without knowing what they support?  

Mary is for  Common Core education.  At the 2014  AAESA Candidate Forum Mary responded that she supported the use of Common Core and Smarter Balance Testing.

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This post has since been scrubbed from her facebook page.

A few days ago we received this very interesting e-mail exposes Mary Whiteford's openness to the gay community and questions her religious beliefs.  It also stated her openess to Common Core. This e-mail appears to pan out based on research. Here is how it reads:

Everything you are about to receive is 100% factual. Over the past years, Mary Whiteford has kept her daughter out of the spotlight, hidden. Why? The following clearly shows why. Mary Whitefords daughter is openly gay, shown in her profile pick with who I am assuming is her girlfriend, who works at the queer theater. Mary has kept this hidden in fear that it would cause her a loss of trust. But it doesn't end there. I will attach many pictures to this thread, proving where Mary stands. 

She has liked posts from LGBT, Atheist, and Liberal groups and organizations and has even commented in support for some of them (one from a group referring to republicans as bullshit) 
Why not be truthful with the district on where you stand... Why say one thing but demonstrate support for another? Why...

Note: this is not about the gay daughter, but the fact of where Mary stands on gay marriage. Is this why GLEP got involved with her?

Jesus, Republican's and Other BullShit's???  Mary Liked This???

The actual quote "We establish no religion in this country, we command no worship, we mandate no belief, nor will we ever. Church and state are, and must remain, separate. All are free to believe or not believe, all are free to practice a faith or not, and those who believe are free, and should be free, to speak of and act on their belief."

Mary did not sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge

issued by American's for Tax Reform.

When asked in the MLive Voter Guide, "Would you sign or have

 you during this campaign signed a pledge

 to not raise taxes? (Yes or No)",

 Mary skipped this question and left it blank.

No nobody is saying Mary shouldn't run and the people should decide, but you the people should know your background and stances. 

The Next RNC National Committeewoman From Michigan Is...

Sharon Wise, Ronna Romney McDaniel and Linda Lee Tarver

Wild speculations are flying around now that Ronna Romney McDaniel has resigned from her position as Republican National Committeewoman once she became Chair of the Michigan Republican Party.

Many names of women in the Republican Party have been thrown around by many on Social Media.  including Lt. Gov Brian Calley's wife - Julie Calley, former candidate for Michigan Republican Chair - Kim Shmina, former candidate for Vice-Chair Marian Sheridian, former National Committeewoman and former U.S. Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land as well as many others.

There is a big push to nominate Upper Peninsula conservative activist Mary Sears by some. Mary holds the same conservative and fiscal values as Dave Agema and see her at the female version of Agema.

In reality the National Committee woman will probably be more in line with Ronna Romney McDaniel and a long term Republican Party activist.

If I were to place bets my best guesses for the National Committee Woman would be one of the following,  Betsy Devos - who has become an advocate for gay marriage especialy since her husband's right hand man Greg McNeilly married his long time boyfriend, Sharon Wise- the former Vice Chair of the Michigan Republican Party or Linda Lee Tarver - the former Ethnic Vice-Chair who would add more diversity to the National Committee.

My bet is that the position goes to Linda Lee Tarver.

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Anti-Gay Marriage Law In 4 States

Today a federal appeals court in Cincinnati upheld anti-gay marriage laws in four states breaking ranks with other courts that have considered the issue and setting up the prospect of Supreme Court review.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel that heard arguments on gay marriage bans or restrictions in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee on Aug. 6 split 2-1, with Circuit Judge Jeffrey Sutton writing the majority opinion. The ruling creates a divide among federal appeals courts, increasing the likelihood the Supreme Court will now take up the issue.

Michigan pastor Stacy Swimp was enthusiastic about the ruling Thursday.

"I'm very happy that the courts decided to uphold the voting rights

Stacy Swimp

of 2.7 million voters who under the Michigan and the U.S. constitutions exercised their voting rights," said Swimp of the National Christian Leadership Council and a member of the National Coalition of Black Pastors and Christian Leaders, which filed amicus briefs in the case opposing gay marriage. "No court had the right to usurp their God-given rights."

The 64-page ruling notes four courts have upheld same-sex unions, but for different reasons in each case.

"Even if we … assume that same-sex marriage will be recognized one day in all fifty states, that does not tell us how — whether through the courts or through democracy. And if through the courts, that does not tell us why," the opinion states.

The ruling says "process and structure matter greatly in American government" and laws passed by voters shouldn't be overturned on a whim. The issue should not be settled by a "poll of three judges on this panel … about whether gay marriage is a good idea."

The court also said the traditional perception of marriage cannot simply be overruled.

"A dose of humility makes us hesitant to condemn as unconstitutionally irrational a view of marriage shared not long ago by every society in the world, shared by most, if not all, of our ancestors, and shared still today by a significant number of states," the ruling states.

Attorney General Bill Schuette said he's ready when and if the case will  to the Supreme Court.

"The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has ruled, and Michigan's constitution remains in full effect," Schuette said. "As I have stated repeatedly, the U.S. Supreme Court will have the final word on this issue. The sooner they rule, the better, for Michigan and the country."

More than 300 couples received marriage licenses in several

Michigan counties, including Dick Devos’ Michigan Gubernatorial campaign manager and current Director of the political pact Michigan Freedom Fund  Greg McNeilly before an appeals judge imposed a stay.

Greg McNeilly, 42, left of Grand Rapids, attempting to marry his

longtime partner Doug Meeks, 37, of Lansing,

outside the Ingham County courtroom

Michgan Primary Shows Tea Party Is Alive And Well

Although the Tea Party suffered some losses with the election losses of Tom McMillin, Alan Arcand and Peter Konetchy for Congress,  Matthew Maddock for State Senate, Wendy Lynn Day, Angela Rigas, and Deb O'Hagan for State Representative, there were many victories.

Tea Party and Christen victories included; Justin Amash, 3rd District Representative in Congress who battled a tough primay, 7th District State Senator Patrick Colbeck, Lana Theis, 42nd District State Representative, Jim Runestad, 44th District State Representative, Cindy Gamrat, 80th District State Representative, Todd Courser, 82nd District State Representative, Gary Glenn 98th District State Representative, Triston Cole, 105th District State Representative, Lee Chatfield 107th District State Representative.

These victories were hard fought as the Establishment  branch of the party did everything they could to prevent the Tea Party and Christian Conservatives from winning .

In the 3rd Congressional District Brian Ellis, a business man was chosen by the Establishment Republicans to challenge Sophmore and Tea Party Favorite Justin Amash.  Brian Ellis was endorsed by Retiring Congressman Mike Rogers. Rogers had been at odds with Justin Amash over Amash's stance against the NSA spy agency, the NDAA where American's deemed terrorists can be held indefinitely and lose their constitutional rights.  Justin bucked many in his party and voted against the Continuing Resolutions that kept funding Obamacare.   Former Congressman and 2012 Senate Candidate Pete Hoekstra also supported Ellis.  The nastiness in the campaign was so bad that yesterday at his victory party Justin told Brian Ellis and Pete Hoekstra how he really felt.  

"Brian Ellis, you owe my family and this community an apology," Amash said. "You had the audacity to try to call me today after running a campaign that was called 'the nastiest in the country.' "I ran for office to stop people like you."

"I want to say to lobbyist Pete Hoekstra, you're a disgrace," said Amash, noting the former U.S. representative who appeared in a TV ad for Ellis. "I'm glad we can hand you one more loss before you fade into total obscurity and irrelevance."

In the 107th District the Establishment was so desperate to keep power and their Representative Frank Foster that they courted the Democrat party and asked for their help to take a stand against the Tea Party.

Chatfield's challenge came as a result of Foster's overall liberal voting record (Obamacare-Medicaid expansion, Common Core) but primarily his advocacy for the homosexual activists' top agenda item.

Gary Glenn who is a strong voice for marriage between a man and a woman also won his seat easily. In the race in the 98th Gary Glenn's religious beliefs were attacked for his Christian beliefs on gay marriage. Former Michigan Gubernatorial  Dick Devos' family donated heavily to Glenn's opponent and Devos' right hand man, Greg McKnielly, Dick Devos' right hand man and who quickly got married to his gay partner when the window for gay marriage was briefly opened earlier this year, also worked hard against Glenn.

In the 44th House District there was no love lost between conservative favorite Jim Runestad, who has a conservative record to stand on, versus Liz Fessler Smith, a relative new comer that came from a rocky political family , rose quickly through the ranks and was supported by many Establishment Republicans. 

Liz Fessler Smith stated to tea party members  and Christian Conservatives that she was conservative while at the same time she had committed to amending the Elliott-Larsen Act to include special protections for sexual orientation.  Many false accusations were thrown at Jim, including calling him a racist, which many know to be farthest from the truth.  The police were also called on the Fessler Smith campaign at a precinct in White Lake for what some perceived as voter intimidation.  However one Facebook user advised that Ms. Fessler-Smith decided to post on her facebook wall that the police were called on her opponent.

In Michigan the campaign finance reports where due on July 25th,2014, but as of this writing no complete campaign filing has been given to the Michigan Election Commission.  As previously reported Ms. Fessler Smith stated that her campaign finance information was stolen out of her mother's car the day it was due. 

Former candidates for Michigan Republican Chair and Vice Chair, Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat also won their respect races and one can only wonder what will happen in the State House once they team up again should they when in November.

Overall with all the drama, the Establishment Republicans who have had their hands in pockets of those that support Common Core, Medicaid Expansion, and the gay marriage agenda to a hit with the election of Christian Tea Party Candidates yesterday.  

Polls show gay marriage support slipping in Michigan yet some Republicans are giving up on family values to push the gay agenda

As recent polls show more and more Michiganders are now moving away from supporting gay marriage, the pro-gay marriage side tries to push their agenda through at a rapid pace. 

A brief signed by 25 past and present Republicans is among 31 briefs filed Monday supporting throwing out Michigan’s ban on same sex marriage.

The brief was signed by 15 former members of either the state or U.S. House of Representatives, including former Speaker of the House Rick Johnson, of LeRoy, U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz, of Battle Creek, and state Rep. Chris Ward of Howell.

Jennifer Gratz

It was also signed by Richard McLellan, a well-known constitutional attorney who has advised many Republican politicians, Jennifer Gratz, who led the fight against affirmative action policies at the University of Michigan but now is a permanent resident of Fort Myers Florida and Greg McNeilly, a prominent Republican staffer who was Dick Devos’ right hand man.  

Greg McNeilly was the Campaign Manager for Devos for Governor and is Chief Operating Officer of Devos’ The Windquest Group.  Greg McNeilly is also is founder of the Michigan Freedom Fund, a fiscally conservative, but socially liberal political organization

Greg McNeilly, 42, left of Grand Rapids, attempting to marry his 

longtime partner Doug Meeks, 37, of Lansing, 

outside the Ingham County courtroom

that has attacked Dave Agema and other Christian conservatives.  Greg McNeilly was also one of about 300 same sex couples who were married in the hours after U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman struck down Michigan’s ban on same sex marriage as a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause.

Leon Drolet

Former state Rep. Leon Drolet, a Macomb County Libertarian leaning Republican also signed the brief.  According to  Macomb Daily Poltical Reporter Chad Selweski , in his Sept 1st 2013 report, and Joel Kurth's editorial in the Detroit News on May 14, 2013 it is noted that  Leon Drolet is known as a gay man..  Leon Drolet said the brief serves two purposes: showing federal judges how prominent Republicans feel about the issue and providing an example for fellow Republicans.  

“Republicans in general and activists who do support equality for gay citizens can feel that they’re not alone out there and they can come out of the closet so to speak in support of equality,” said Drolet, one of three Republicans who voted against the same sex marriage ban in 2004.

The briefs filed Monday in support of throwing out the ban included labor organizations, law professors, and a group of 53 large and small businesses, including Starbucks, Google, Marriott Intl., Oracle, Pfizer and Intel.

Others former Republican lawmakers from Michigan signing the brief are: former state Reps. Daniel Acciavatti, Lyn Bankes, Jan Dolan, Susan Grimes Gilbert, Patricia Godchaux, Doug Hart, Dave Honigman,

Patricia Godchaux

Mike Pumford, Judith Scranton and Jerry Vorva.

They came the same day as the U.S. Court of Appeals scheduled Aug. 6 oral arguments in the case same sex couple April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse filed so they could adopt each others special needs children. The case turned into a trial on Michigan’s ban on same sex marriage, passed by voters in 2004 by a 59-41% margin.

Friedman struck down the ban on March 21 and for a day in Michigan, same sex marriage was legal, allowing 299 couples to marry. State Attorney General Bill Schuette appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals and asked them to halt the marriages until they could hear the case, which the appeals court did.

"Republicans shouldn't back down"said Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan, a

Gary Glenn

Republican primary hopeful for U.S. Senate in 2012. Standing firm against gay marriage could attract blacks, Hispanics and union members to the party, Glenn said in 2013.

Gary is right on this issue and Stacy Swimp a prominent black conservative speaker  and minister agrees.  It was told to this author by Rev Swimp, that blacks in Detroit are fiscally and socially conservative.  The are looking for a political party to listen to them and address their needs. For many years they thought that party was the Democrat party with all the perks they were getting, but now they feel the Democrat party has abandoned  them by abandoning family values.

Stacy Swimp

Just this past March Stacy Swimp and other pastor's reached out to the Michigan Republican Party and to the unproven appointed RNC State Director of African American Engagement for Michigan but there was not one reply to their repeated requests for help keep marriage between a man and woman.

The Republican Establishment would rather sell out the party's values just to remain in power.