Why Is The Republican Party Honoring and Wishing Irrelevant Former Gov Milliken A Happy Birthday?

Today the Wayne County Republican Party issued a meme

wishing Former Governor William Milliken a happy birthday.  He served as Governor of Michigan under the Republican Party from 1969 to 1983. 

Milliken hasn't always been the best Republican.  As Governor many thought he was to progressive and

In 2004, Milliken endorsed Democrat John Kerry for President. In 2008, it was Republican John McCain. Although he withdrew it just a few weeks before the election.

Gary Peters (L) and Rick Snyder (R)
Ex Gov Williman Milliken's picks in 2014

And,this last election-cycle, Milliken has endorsed Democrat Gary Peters for U.S. Senate and Democrat Mark Totten for Attorney General over Terri Lynn Land and Bill Schuette respectively. 

Former Democrat Candidate For Attorney General Mark Totten with Former
Republican Governor William Milliken

When asked on Fox 2 Detroit's show "Let it Rip" about why Milliken endorsed Gary Peters and Mark Totten , former Michigan Republican Party Chairman said that Milliken was irrelevant. 

" FOX 2'S CHARLIE LANGTON: Governor Milliken, this week, endorsed Gary Peters. What’s going on with that?!

BOBBY SCHOSTAK: [Laughs] Well, what’s goin’ on with Governor Milliken? He’s not relevant any longer. It was relevant when… 

LANGTON: A fellow Republican is not relevant?! 

SCHOSTAK: He’s not relevant to this election. What’s relevant to this election is what Governor Snyder is doing, what Terri Land will do to represent… "

Ex Michigan Governor Milliken Endorses Governor Snyder and Gary Peters

Earlier this week Republican ex-Gov. William Milliken endorsed the re-election of Rick Snyder for Governor and the Snyder campaign made much pomp and circumstance with this endorsement.

Ex-Cov William Milliken's Guys
Gary Peters, William Milliken, Rick Snyder 

Now Milliken is backing Democrat Gary Peters for U.S. Senate, saying the congressman has been a moderate and an independent voice in the Michigan Legislature and U.S. House.

Milliken issued endorsement statement Friday morning. Peters is running against Republican Terri Lynn Land, a former Michigan secretary of state.

Democratic U.S. Sen Carl Levin is retiring after 36 years.

The 92-year-old Milliken served as governor in 1969-1982. He's endorsed several Democrats over the years, including 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry.

Milliken told The Associated Press in a 2006 interview that the Republican Party had "temporarily left" him by moving too far to the right.