Dave Franklin picks up small business endorsement in 54th District state House race
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Biz PAC has endorsed Ypsilanti Township Democrat Dave Franklin in the 54th District state House race.
Dave Franklin
The 54th District includes the city of Ypsilanti and Augusta, Salem, Superior and Ypsilanti townships in Washtenaw County. Click here for a map of the district.
“We are pleased to endorse Dave Franklin in this important House seat," Rob Fowler, the association's president and CEO, said in a statement.
"We believe that he understands the problems and challenges that entrepreneurs face. He is the candidate best positioned to win this race and represents the interests of small business."
Franklin has pledged that creating jobs in Michigan will be his top priority if elected. He said he's honored to pick up the endorsement.
"Small businesses are the cornerstone of our struggling communities," he said. "By providing them with a positive business environment in these difficult times, we will bring about a tremendous economic revival that will protect the jobs we have now and ensure our prosperity for generations to come."
Six Democrats are running in the Aug. 3 primary for a chance to replace current 54th District State Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith, D-Salem Township, who is term-limited. In addition to Franklin, Lonnie Scott, David Rutledge, Michael White, Bill Riney, and Edison Hubert are on the ballot.
On the Republican ticket, Rodney Nanney and Richard Deitering are facing off. The party nominees will advance to the November general election, where David Palmer is expected to run as an independent.
Franklin, 21, is a 2006 graduate of Milan High School and a self-described "student of the Austrian School of Economics," a school of thought most frequently associated with libertarian views. He has worked as a staff member and book handler with the Google Book Project at the University of Michigan.
He says he has lived in Michigan his entire life and became a permanent resident of Ypsilanti Township about 10 years ago when he moved with his family to property that has been in the family for several decades.
He is a member of and former county coordinator for the Washtenaw County Campaign for Liberty, part of a national political organization founded by Republican Congressman Ron Paul and "inspired by the old Robert Taft wing of the Republican Party."
The group's stated mission is to "promote and defend the great American principles of individual liberty, constitutional government, sound money, free markets, and a noninterventionist foreign policy, by means of educational and political activity."
Click here for a list of candidates running for office in Washtenaw County, as well as links to their websites.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Tom
Tue, Jul 27, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.
The ideas of limited government, fiscal restraint, and avoiding foreign war I would argue are very progressive. For most of the Earth's history governments have operated on the opposite principle. Maybe Mr. Peters should look up the Democratic Liberty Caucus. This is a group of Democrats that are pro-liberty and free market. There is room for alternative ideas in the Party. Given that right now the economy and job creation are the most important issues Mr. Franklin gets my support!
Jeremy
Wed, Jul 7, 2010 : 8:13 a.m.
No responses? Are you having to form answers that won't out your libertarian and conservative tendencies or hopes to switch parties once elected?
Jeremy
Mon, Jul 5, 2010 : 11:18 p.m.
So then, Mr. Franklin: Please enlighten us with what limited government oriented cuts should be made to the state budget? What essential services do you feel are unnecessary? What are your thoughts on trade unions? What are your thoughts on unemployment benefits for those out of work who are unable to find work in this economy? Do you support tax-credits for businesses that could help shape a new Michigan economy, such as the MEGA program via the MEDC that have been proved to work by independent (not conservative like the Mackinac Policy Center) auditors and reviewers? My point is that Democrats should retain some sort of progressivism to wear the label, when to me it seems you're more conservative that most of the Blue Dogs I support. In any case, mark my words: if elected, this guy will be voting with the Republican caucus, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he switched parties once in Lansing. My hope is that the conscientious voters of my new hometown and district will see past the farce and vote for candidates who will actually go to work on their behalf, not cut and slash and burn all the services that good (and limited, I might add) government should provide. Mr. Franklin consistently outlines my questioning of his as ad-hominem attacks, when in fact, they are just a summation of my hearty belief that he'd probably be better suited on the Republican side of the ticket. That being said, all I want is for Mr. Franklin to own up to his conservatism and libertarianism and stop using national policy to cover the point that he won't discuss his ideas on the programs that actually benefit people that live in this district, but unfortunately I doubt we'll ever see that day from him. His youth and energy will mean nothing when he misrepresents the needs of this district - which is all but assured to happen, given the duck and cover techniques I've seen to date.
Jeremy
Mon, Jul 5, 2010 : 11:17 p.m.
So then, Mr. Franklin: Please enlighten us with what limited government oriented cuts should be made to the state budget? What essential services do you feel are unnecessary? What are your thoughts on trade unions? What are your thoughts on unemployment benefits for those out of work who are unable to find work in this economy? Do you support tax-credits for businesses that could help shape a new Michigan economy, such as the MEGA program via the MEDC that have been proved to work by independent (not conservative like the Mackinac Policy Center) auditors and reviewers? My point is that Democrats should retain some sort of progressivism to wear the label, when to me it seems you're more conservative that most of the Blue Dogs I support. In any case, mark my words: if elected, this guy will be voting with the Republican caucus, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he switched parties once in Lansing. My hope is that the conscientious voters of my new hometown and district will see past the farce and vote for candidates who will actually go to work on their behalf, not cut and slash and burn all the services that good (and limited, I might add) government should provide. Mr. Franklin consistently outlines my questioning of his as ad-hominem attacks, when in fact, they are just a summation of my hearty belief that he'd probably be better suited on the Republican side of the ticket. That being said, all I want is for Mr. Franklin to own up to his conservatism and libertarianism and stop using national policy to cover the point that he won't discuss his ideas on the programs that actually benefit people that live in this district, but unfortunately I doubt we'll ever see that day from him. His youth and energy will mean nothing when he misrepresents the needs of this district - which is all but assured to happen, given the duck and cover techniques I've seen to date.
David
Sun, Jul 4, 2010 : 9:30 p.m.
All, I apologize for the confusion about the Austrian school of Economics. I may have come off as disingenuous when I listed that under my education. Seeing as I view education as a life-long process, I assumed others would understand what I meant when I said "student of..." I would not label the economic theory as "libertarian", though many libertarians do subscribe to it. It's focused around the nature of man and markets in a free-society. It is true that the Campaign for Liberty was founded by Congressman Ron Paul of Texas, but this does not make it a "republican" organization. It's mission statement is universal, non-partisan, and truly American. I believe strongly in a non-interventionist foreign policy (a policy of peace), sound money(money without unelected technocrats owning and distributing it at interest), and true free-markets (we haven't had truly free markets in well over 125 years). Also, there is absolutely nothing partisan about individual liberty and strict adherence to the constitutions of the U.S. and Michigan. In fact, I believe that individual liberty is necessary in a free society, and is unalienable not because a creator has bestowed them upon you, but because you are human. If it is radical and/or partisan to believe in these moral principles, then this state and country are in much worse shape than I could have ever dreamed. The claims of "DINO" are merely an ad hominem attack. I am called a DINO because I have a broader perspective than those who are heavily indoctrinated by the system of partisanship we have today. Mr. Peters tends to assume that all Democrats are "progressives." (He is also a supporter of Mr. Scotts campaign) This is nothing more than an assumption based upon the fact that president Obama is a self-described progressive. While that might be true, there are many a Democrat who do not subscribe to every progressive policy position nor to the way in which they are desired to be executed. If anyone wishes to see my history, they will find out that, yes, I was a republican precinct delegate in 2008. The reason for this was that I supported Ron Paul in his presidential bid, because of his desire to end the wars in the middle east immediately, bring the troops home from all over the world by closing hundreds of bases, and correctly handle the then looming fiscal disaster we now face. Once I realized that the republican party was a lost cause, I came back to where I started; the Democratic party. Besides, I am not the first nor will I be the last person to ever hold their nose and try to influence the republican party in a way that could benefit everyone. My goal is to make Michigan prosperous once again, and you can only do that through setting aside the unenlightened world view of partisanship. I am and will remain to be a member of the Democratic party. Though I do wonder that if I'm receiving such attacks for not subscribing to some people's philosophy (that they claim defines a democrat), what is going to happen to the Democratic party if/when the progressive movement fades as all movements do eventually? I, for one, hope that people will look beyond labels and see people for their principles and ideas. Sincerely, Dave Franklin
Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 7:30 a.m.
Franklin is a great overly energetic politician who is ready to take on the challenges of the 54th District. The past representation did almost nothing to stop massive unemployment, massive foreclosures - all-time historic high levels mind you; loss of businesses - bankruptcies - school district's left in chaos. The entire community is basically upside down on it's 'mortgage'. People leaving the community - whose reputation was damaged at best. With this fallen economy there is little hope for change. The previous representative campaigned 24/7 after election only to further her own career, go look up her funding online - it's just one check rolling in after another - a classic career politician - do we need that? Is that how a representative should spend their time? Begging campaign funds day after day?
Ryan J. Stanton
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 11:37 p.m.
@Jack Thanks for pointing that out. I've added some clarification.
Jack
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 9:34 p.m.
"Franklin, 21, is a 2006 graduate of Milan High School and student of the Austrian School of Economics." The "Austrian School of Economics" refers to a "school" of economic thought; this article makes it sounds like a degree-granting university.
Ryan J. Stanton
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 8:56 p.m.
FYI I updated the story to include more information about the candidate's background. Franklin acknowledged he is a member of and former county coordinator for the Washtenaw County Campaign for Liberty, part of a national political organization founded by Republican Congressman Ron Paul and "inspired by the old Robert Taft wing of the Republican Party."
OldGerman
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 6:50 p.m.
My Dear Misguided Money Grubbing Friends Did the corporation, banks and small businesses learn anything from the Busch administration?!.....You all don't believe that fat meat is greasy..huh, I guess not. Unfortunately all the businesses that are in support of this democratic imposter will go... B.E.L.L.YYYYYYYYYYYY-up as some have already done....
Jeremy
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 5:46 p.m.
Dave Franklin is *not* a Democrat. He is a Pro-Cato institute DINO whose beliefs are actually closer to those of Rand Paul, the libertarians and the tea party than anything that closely represents a Democrat. There are other options in this race that are actually Democrats. Franklin was a Republican Precinct Delegate, and only chose to run as a democrat due to the fact that it is impossible for a republican to be elected in this district. He does a disservice to the record of Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith as an ardent progressive who fights for progressive causes, something that Franklin will assuredly not do.