clownfish

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 1:30 p.m.

@DANH- "The middle class ALREADY lost, buddy. You can thank a decade of liberal rule in MI for that one. Really? Who had congress most of the decade? Who had the Attorney Generals office most of the decade? Who had the Sec of States office most of the decade? Who had the Supreme Court most of the decade? Facts are irrelevant. I've already told people I care about how to protect themselves. Buying gold, are you? Or, with crime being at a low, maybe more guns are in order? @HAPPYFUNBALL Luckily Obama is going to India - "US to spend $200 million a day on Obama's Mumbai visit" - Yep that is per day! WOW! $200,000,000 a day!! That is a lot of money....to bad you have bad info, a problem I find an awful lot from the "independent thinkers" in the Teababy Party. This little bit of Miss Information has gone viral...on conservative websites. FACTCHECK>ORG-This story has spread rapidly among the presidents critics, but there is simply no evidence to support it. And common sense should lead anyone to doubt it. For example, the entire U.S. war effort in Afghanistan currently costs less than that about $5.7 billion per month, according to the Congressional Research Service, or roughly $190 million per day. How could a peaceful state visit cost more than a war?- http://factcheck.org/2010/11/ask-factcheck-trip-to-mumbai/ GODLOVESUS...what did G-d say about lying and false witness against neighbors? Facts, as interesting as they may be, are irrelevant.

Dave66

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 6:57 p.m.

First, the Supreme Court gave the green light to corporations to contribute as much money as they want. Then, the Republicans prevented the DISCLOSE act from coming to a vote in the Senate. The DISCLOSE act would require disclosure by donors supporting campaign advertising, and require sponsors to personally approve TV ads, as candidates are required to do. These two things make it possible for the secret and unlimited dumping of cash into our electoral process. Even by foreign governments and companies. The next thing to think about is the definition of Fascism. Fascists seek to organize a nation according to corporatist perspectives, values, and systems, including the political system and the economy. Everything from now on is just a dog and pony show. Sit back, pop some corn, and enjoy the horror you've created. Democracy took another step closer to the brink yesterday. How anyone could be happy about this is beyond me. People are gloating because the idiots outnumber the intelligent. All of a sudden, "elite" is a bad thing. When did that happen? And why is it reserved just for politicians? Do you want a doctor who went to an elite medical school, or some third world diploma mill? Do you want your buildings and bridges designed by an elite engineer, or someone who barely graduated with a 2.000001 average?

mike from saline

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 6:42 p.m.

Santa Claus? I don't believe I mentioned Santa claus. In fact I know I didn't. I'm a Libertarian. I've never believed in Santa, And although many conservatives may believe in God, They usually stop believing in Santa by the time they're about 6. Liberals on the other hand seem to believe in Santa all there lives. The Fact that there's no Santa won't be a shock to us. We don't believe in Robin Hood, or the tooth Fairy either. Good Night and good luck

mike from saline

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 5:30 p.m.

This is Great!!! I've been looking forward to this [reading the posts on A2.com the Wednesday after election day] for some time now. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning!!! good night and good luck. Happy days are here again!

uawisok

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 4:56 p.m.

I don't want a bigger piece of the pie I want a whole new pie!!!

sbbuilder

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 4:49 p.m.

Bi-partisan cooperation would be nice, of course, but hardly to be expected. The trouble is, we are in a burning house, so there is that sense of urgency. But go ahead and be as partisan as you can. Be as clear and concise with your arguments, too. Let us in on why you take the stands you do. That way the rest of us will be much clearer on why we must do all we can to reverse the flow. Two years? Nope. The Dems had control of Congress for two years before Mr Obama was elected. Most of the damaging legislation was passed under their watch. So, by my count they've been in control for a good four years. Plenty of time to get things all screwed up. Mr Snyder is bringing in people with business experience. Surprise surprise. Imagine bringing in these types to help staunch the flow. What did you expect? Some Econ prof with not one minute in the private sector?

InsideTheHall

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.

Mr. Ed: Welllllllll Wilbur thank goodness for Fox News to keep the uniformed informed.

bugjuice

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 4:09 p.m.

This wasn't an election about reality or the issues. It was an angry "fire the coach" election because the new coach didn't rebuild the team fast enough to satisfy the loud and drunken fans. Even though the coach is between a rock and hard place. My apologies to Rich Rod

SemperFi

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 3:56 p.m.

The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too. ~Oscar Levant

RobRoy

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 3:13 p.m.

@a2michguy...my sentiments exactly. @danH....Seriously, the republicans tanked the economy by the same deficit spending they are crying about now. While it is indeed now "Obama's economy" since he inherited it, I dont suffer from the convenient amnesia that most voters were afflicted with last night. I understand people's anger, but frankly, people are living beyond their means. And so long as people continue to do so, and live unhealthy lifestyles that bankrupt the healthcare system (continue to be obese and smoke), Obama can balance the budget every year and we will have the same problems. But instead, to put the country back on track, Americans put back in power the same folks who put us into a fiscal mess, elected a managing editor of Lehman Bros (that precipitated the financial collapse) the Governor of Ohio, and elected a guy whose company committed Medicare fraud the Governor of Florida..it's complete lunacy. As for Snyder and Bergnero, our state faces some its biggest challenges. As a voter, I couldnt bring myself to vote for either of these two lackluster candidates because they both didnt even have the mental fortitude to engage in more than one debate when so much is at stake...

SMAIVE

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 3:07 p.m.

Eddie R, I was going to add "When Elephants Fly", but it sounded too pessimistic.

a2miguy

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 2:07 p.m.

Congrats, Republicans. Now get to work. Fix the economy. Fix health care. Cut spending. Cut taxes. Get me a job. What? Haven't got it fixed yet? Better hurry. Time's a wastin'... you only gave the Dems 2 years, and they didn't, so I assume you can. How 'bout by the end of the year. Good for you? Great.

DonBee

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 1:58 p.m.

I actually authored a pair of white papers for the outgoing governor. I spent time trying to work on a compromise on a couple of issues. And I did not vote a straight party ticket as I indicated a couple of weeks ago. Most of the candidates I voted for did not win. So don't put me in a niche. I will continue to try to make things better anyway I can. How about you?

SMAIVE

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 1:44 p.m.

As long as the new leaders of Michigan stay out of the bedroom, leave their religious beliefs at their church and let me marry my partner, all power to them.

Mick52

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 1:39 p.m.

What happened yesterday is no surprise. When the economy goes bad, the party in power gets the boot. It will happen again in four or eight years if there is no improvement. Some, like ghost wrote, blame non-cooperation. Somewhat true but I would say its democrats who refuse to budge more than republicans. For example, in order for Michigan to recover, there will have to be a significant change in how we treat business. Where was Gov Granholm when VW was considering Michigan along with Tennessee for a 2000 job plant? She was standing with her union buddies. Democrats will not pressure unions for concessions because of the support they receive for doing so. But unions are responsible for deficits, layoffs and VW opening their plant in Tennessee where the workers say no thanks to the UAW. If we can't get people back to work we are not going to recover. It will take more than lowering business tax. Remember too we are competing with 49 other states to get jobs and that is where the unemployed will go to work. Michigan should do as much as possible to make the state more attractive to business than the other 49. I don't give a hoot if its republicans or democrats what do it, just get it done.

True_Wolverine_Fan

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 1:23 p.m.

Bugjuice... you took the words right out of my mouth!

bugjuice

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 1:12 p.m.

Still waiting for someone on the right to explain why the nerd deserves any respite from the partisan drumbeat when that's all we heard from your side when Granholm was guv and all the vile venom we've witnessed since before President Obama was elected. Oh, that's right. Cooperation is a one way street that is only open to the brain dead when they're in power.

5c0++ H4d13y

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.

Insert over the top hyper-partisan statement here.

Cash

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 12:55 p.m.

True Wolverine Fan, Snyder has already selected 3 Engler retreads for his transition team....tell you where we are headed? When he is done handing out the millions to corporate America....the change will trickle down to us.

True_Wolverine_Fan

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.

RIP Michigan (1837-2010) you will be truly missed.

Roger

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 12:31 p.m.

Arg. only Washtenaw's results...

A2transplant

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 12:27 p.m.

Looks to me like someone may have conceded too early. http://electionresults.ewashtenaw.org/nov2010/cumulativereport.html

Cash

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 12:09 p.m.

@Speechless, Wow, you read his mind! Very insightful. Give it all away to corporate America....it will trickle down to you. Most are still waiting for that from Ronald Reagan!

Speechless

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 12:06 p.m.

"... stop blaming poiticians for your plights. Get off your butts and do something.... "... Wake up everyone, there is NO middle class anymore...." Although far less obvious here in Ann Arbor, a collectively vast and growing underclass exists throughout this country. Many of them continue to live in deteriorating urban and suburban areas and feel disenfranchised by the world around them. No longer belonging to the lower middle class, most do not participate in elections, nor feel that politicians have any real interest in representing them. It's mostly meet the new boss, same as the old boss. As the earning power of wage labor and the economy in general decline further, and as our newly elected politicians enthusiastically embrace Social Darwinism, the disenfanchised will eventually be heard. That will less likely occur at the ballot box and is more likely to happen on the streets. Few of these disenfranchised have any use for tea party politics which appeal to white rural reactionaries who often don't conceal visceral revulsion toward the urban poor and view multiculturalism with the eyes of a George Wallace.

Speechless

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.

"... if you are close to the end of your 99 weeks of unemployment you should not expect an extension...." This represents a concise snapshot of what the new governor, the new state legislature, and the new Congress will offer the vast majority of people in the years immediately ahead. Expect nothing — it's time to move out of your foreclosing home and find a dry place under a bridge somewhere. Only the corporate class deserves government 'entitlements' and taxpayer subsidies. Rick Snyder plans to ask the legislature to provide a $1.5 billion handout to business interests with no strings attached. He will then volunteer the middle class and the poor as residents who will be asked to pay for this enormous subsidy through regressive tax increases and slashed services, so that Michigan's budget doesn't crash and burn in earnest under his tenure.

bugjuice

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 11:58 a.m.

For all those demanding that a few of us give the partisanship a rest and give the nerd a chance... Where were these generous and forgiving thoughts before and after President Obama was elected?

Steve

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 11:47 a.m.

No Politician from either party will ever be able to fix our state or national economy because of our 20 year old global economy. All jobs will continue to flow naturally to the lowest cost labor market in the world until we all make the same wage. After that the corporations will start moving jobs back to local markets to save on transportation costs because their will be no more savings in the labor market.

Steve

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 11:37 a.m.

No Republican or Democrat at the state or national level can fix the economy. With the new global economy all jobs will flow naturally to the lowest labor market in the world. Then when all of us make the lowest possible amount we'll start getting jobs back because the corporations can save on transportation of their products by producing locally. This all started 30 Years ago and is still not reached its peak.

robyn

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 11:37 a.m.

@ Cash: I voted for Granholm - twice. I can complain about her all I want. She's done a poor job of governing this state. In all fairness - I think she was a very good AG, but she has not been a good governor. I ended up voting for her again the last time around ONLY because the opposing candidate was a worse choice. That's not a vote of confidence - it was a vote of choosing the lesser of two incompetents.

Ignatz

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 11:33 a.m.

@do not taunt: That explains everything! The reason we're so screwed up as a state is that it's based upon superstition. We need to get with reality and change that. (No taunting intended.)

Steve

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 11:05 a.m.

I hope Mr. Snyder changes his mind about canceling the state movie industry incentives (At least until they get on their feet). I have 2 kids from U of M trying to get into the movie business and it would be great if someday they can get a job in Michigan.

DonBee

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 11 a.m.

I am very disappointed in the comments here. No one seems to want to dig in and help fix things. Virg Bernero had the class to reach across and offer to help. The comments here just leave me shaking my head. Unless we all work together, we won't have real jobs in this state. Based on comments last night by various folks, I would say if you are close to the end of your 99 weeks of unemployment you should not expect an extension, so it makes it even more important to dig in and figure out how to get BUSINESS to create JOBS in the state.

Cash

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.

Bababooey, I've been employed for 50 years...what's your point? Just working doesn't solve the country's problems! And to all the righties out there who have spent 8 years blaming every problem known to mankind on Granholm.....guess what? Now you want everyone to back off? Now we are "all one Michigan"...guess again. Snyder will get blamed for everything that goes wrong from his first day forward. It goes with the territory.

robyn

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 10:46 a.m.

Yep our esteemed President is leaving town - taking 40 jets, his limos and a more than a few hundred of his closest pals to India. They will be occupying the ENTIRE TajMahal and a couple of hotels at a whopping cost to the taxpayers of this nation a mere $200K per day. With that in mind, I can't really complain about Rick. He hasn't even spent his first REAL day in office yet - but I hardly think we'll see THAT kind of choice from him as the head of this state.

Derrick

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.

Congratulations republican voters I hope you enjoy the dark ages. This new republican majority will be disastrous for our state and nation. Does anybody remember Engler? Mark my words this will not be good for us.

InsideTheHall

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 10:12 a.m.

The liberal elites of Ann Arbor are not in the mainstream as evidenced by the shave and a haircut they took last night and the postings blaming an ignorant electorate for the result. High and tight baby, high and tight!

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 10:10 a.m.

@Forerver - The Preamble to the Michigan Constitution "We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, and earnestly desiring to secure these blessings undiminished to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution." Everything else evolves from that phrase even our 'secular' government!

rayjay

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 9:15 a.m.

@MWH Progress in Washington? Isn' that a little oxymoronic?

spaceman

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 9:14 a.m.

Great campaigners (and you have to admit the Snyder team was awesome both in the primary and in the general election) are not always great at governing (eg Mr Obama). Warning - when you hear "bi-partisan" and "cooperation" from the Democrats it means they expect you to agree to their policies. Hey Rick - hey Michigan Republicans - YOU WON! You won HUGE! Now please go to Lansing and govern according to what you promised.

Killroy

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.

Ricky to sell Great Lakes to Chinese Government and most of Metro Airport.

Forever27

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 8:50 a.m.

@god loves us all, what you just said represents everything wrong with the american political system. You do realize we live in a SECULAR state right?

jondhall

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.

Obama is going to where?Spending how much per day? there should be room on that plane for Nancy Pelosi,she can take her last "jet ride" on the "we the "people". Harry can be the navigator he knows how things work south of the "border". Maybe the price is not all that bad after all?

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 8:23 a.m.

Luckily Obama is going to India - "US to spend $200 million a day on Obama's Mumbai visit" - Yep that is per day! I would send that money to homeless shelters - or hospitals, instead of going to India.

MWH

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 8:21 a.m.

The ensuing federal gridlock should be nice. I expect to see a lot of progress in Wash.

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 8:19 a.m.

Luckily Obama is going to India - "US to spend $200 million a day on Obama's Mumbai visit" - Yep that is per day! I would send that money to homeless shelters - or hospitals, instead of going to India.

Soothslayer

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 8:19 a.m.

Wake up everyone, there is NO middle class anymore. Rick and his team will do their best to turn Michigan around which will be in everyone's best interest. Let's get to work!

David

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 8:08 a.m.

Ok GovNerd. Get out your checkbook. This is how you rescued your failing entities in the past.

God Loves Us All

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:48 a.m.

Hope all the Liberals do not take this election the wrong way. It is defiantly not that Republicans have done much right. It is that they are closer to doing what the bible tells us to do than the Democrats. So God bless all who voted and those who stayed home. God will start blessing America as we turn to him again.

God Loves Us All

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:46 a.m.

Hope all the Liberals do not take this election the wrong way. It is defiantly not that Republicans have done much right. It is that they are closer to doing what the bible tells us to do than the Democrats. So God bless all who voted and those who stayed home. God will start blessing America as we turn to him again.

Marshall Applewhite

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:44 a.m.

bababooey, That's a very good point. Most of the people complaining about politics are doing so in hopes that their life is going to improve without them having to do anything. This mentality of entitlement is very apparent in post-industrial Michigan. The leftover union entitlement needs to be combated before Michiganders will have any serious opportunity to turn this thing around.

abc

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:42 a.m.

Dan H. wrote, It would be funny if you liberals weren't constantly on these threads talking about how insensitive republicans are and how republicans never exhibit goodwill A mere 6 hours later Dan H. wrote, Most of the liberals are going to get pounded because they don't understand economics. I've already told people I care about how to protect themselves. Dan H. further wrote, It will be interesting to see people who know what's going on going out of this OK and people who don't get what they deserve. [sic] All; please ponder the goodwill and sensitivity.

Bababooey

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:30 a.m.

Dear lefties and righties, stop blaming poiticians for your plights. Get off your butts and do something. Pay less attention to politics and more attention to your own plight. Somehow I've managed to stay gainfully employed in this state for 20 years...and I have worked my a$$ off to keep it that way. The politics of our state have never had an effect on my desire to do so and never will.

Top Cat

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:27 a.m.

Agreed that it is time to park the partisanship. The war in Afghanistan was forgotten in this election as the focus was domestic issues. Our soldiers are still fighting there and losing their lives. To move forward, we have to realize that the surge is not working and won't work. The Afghans are not supporting this failed and corrupt narco state. There is nothing more we can do there and no reason to stay. I would hope our national leaders would have the foresight and courage to admit this and to bring our valiant legions home as soon as possible.

jondhall

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:26 a.m.

It was a great night for Michigan! Thank you voters, Governor elect Snyder thanks you. Let's get down to business! Turnaround time! Question yesterday while in Ypsilanti Township I seen political signs on township property, is this legal? As for Nevada, the ILEGALS have their boy Harry back, what an embarrassment. May God bless California, with Jerry the joke Brown, remember you reap what you sow! Let's get to work!

Ian

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:18 a.m.

Democrats had the chance to do the right thing, but absolutely blew it. Rather then stopping the illegal wars, as they were elected to do, they expanded it. Along with Bush, supported the looting of our money by the banks that created the financial collapse. Snuck in a draconian healthcare bill in the stimulus bill. No wonder more than 20 states have filed lawsuits to repeal it. Again, like Bush/Cheney, Obama took away more of our liberties. Etc., etc., etc. Absolutely blew it! To learn why the Democrats were so bad, watch, "The Obama Deception."

ViSHa

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:17 a.m.

@true wolverine fan, all your pro RR comments in the sports section are now suddenly making sense

Dave66

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:16 a.m.

Well, I have to say I'm pretty disappointed in Synder. All his campaign promises are unfulfilled. All the problems that existed before he got into office are hardly better at all. I hope he's not going to blame the previous administration. After all, it's HIS watch now, right? I think it's time for a change.

TKA2

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:13 a.m.

I know the mayor's race was a foregone conclusion...but the only mention I can find here is in the 9th paragraph of the story on city council (which is the 19th bullet of the election coverage.) Really? Great local coverage!! Way to go Booth, very local!

Dan H

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 6:39 a.m.

Hey Cash, The middle class ALREADY lost, buddy. You can thank a decade of liberal rule in MI for that one. And, it's going to get a lot worse for the middle class. Most of the liberals are going to get pounded because they don't understand economics. I've already told people I care about how to protect themselves. It will be interesting to see people who know what's going on going out of this OK and people who don't get what they deserve.

Jon Saalberg

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 6:11 a.m.

As a die-hard liberal, it wasn't a good night. But I can still smile, as I say, Governor-elect Brown.

Linda55

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 6:04 a.m.

Congratulations on your latest purchase Rick.

Atleast

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 5:55 a.m.

Who won in the Ann Arbor mayoral race?

ypsidog

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 5:54 a.m.

I can't wait, for the next 4 years, I can now blame EVERYTHING, including my next upset stomach on the "Tough Nerd"!! Just like the Republicans did to Jen Jen!! the dog

Reason

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 5:47 a.m.

Where are results for the Ann Arbor District Library? I can't find them anywhere on your site? Thanks.

Cash

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 5:43 a.m.

Corporate America won. Middle class lost. And that will be proven soon.

Susan Montgomery

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 5:24 a.m.

Great election coverage, AnnArbor.com!

Polecat

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 4:25 a.m.

I'm guessing the Chinese comments are coming from the talking points of the unions. Only union monkeys that can't think for themselves make those comments. It's hard for you guys to take the idea that your days of a free lunch are over and you will actually have to put in a fair days work for a fair wage.

True_Wolverine_Fan

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 2:09 a.m.

As a Chinese citizen I can honestly say... THANK YOU MICHIGAN! Looking forward the prosperous years ahead Rick... -Your Friends in China

DonBee

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 1:07 a.m.

As Andrew Coumo said tonight in his speach, it is time to stop being Democrat and Republican. It is time to be New Yorkers first. Michigan needs that same spirit. Even Virg Bernero has realized this and offered to pitch in an help. We need to fix Michigan, and if we keep up the class and political spectrum warfare we will not succeed.

robyn

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 1:02 a.m.

I agree with tlb1201. Let's see what he does before we start complaining about him.

tlb1201

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 12:25 a.m.

The election is over E. Manuel! Time to give the partisan sniping a rest. I'm sooooooo sick of all of the same-old partisan garbage and hope it dies down after the election. Snyder gave a great speech about working together as Michiganders to fix things. Why don't we give him a chance to prove that and lay off of the sour grapes comments until he has a chance to better prove what kind of governor he will be.

Dan H

Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : midnight

E. Manuel Goldstein, Are you for real? You might want to point your finger more at the current Obama administration as the "best administration China ever had" if you wanted a more accurate view of things. But go ahead. Liberals are already blaming Rick before he's even in office. It would be funny if you liberals weren't constantly on these threads talking about how insensitive republicans are and how republicans never exhibit goodwill to the other side whereas liberals do. What a farce.

ypsi

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 11:43 p.m.

Amen!

E. Manuel Goldstein

Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 11:33 p.m.

Rick Snyder will be the best Michigan Governor China ever had!