Friday, October 03, 2008

McCain's Michigan Co-Chairman to Palin: Don't Leave Michigan!   [Mark Hemingway]

Chuck Yob, who until recently was the Republican National Committee Member from Michigan for nearly twenty years, is a legendary figure in Michigan politics. (For more on what Yob's done and Republican politics in Michigan, you can read this piece I wrote for the Weekly Standard a few years back.) Yob has a longstanding relationship with McCain — his son works on the campaign — and he's not altogether pleased that the McCain campaign is abandoning Michigan. He just sent out the following letter:

Governor Palin,

I saw your comments on Fox News today and described in the Detroit Free Press article below.  I wholeheartedly agree with you that thedecision by the McCain campaign to pull out of Michigan was the wrong decision.

We have all been wrong at times, and I think this is a decision that will be corrected in a couple of weeks.  We were ahead three points as of a week ago according to MRG, a polling firm that I trust more than any national pollster.

I talked to Michigan Republicans and McCain supporters on a conferencecall last night and they vowed to redouble their efforts.  Indeed, there will still be a campaign for John McCain in Michigan whether it is sanctioned by the professionals in Washington DC or not.

Senator McCain has great appeal to Michigan voters dating back to his 2000 campaign.  He is a Maverick, independent-minded leader who has bipartisan appeal to the voters of our state.  He is the perfect Presidential candidate for Michigan.

I also strongly believe that you are the best possible Vice Presidential choice for Michigan.  You kicked Joe Biden's butt in the debate yesterday by showing your blue collar appeal and highlightingwhy Senator McCain's plans for tax cuts, increased energy supply, andstrong foreign policy are what is needed for our country's future.  We also know that Obama's tax increases, $1 trillion spending promises, and willingness to befriend dangerous rouge leaders is not the right prescription for our problems.

Democrats have failed the workers of Michigan.  Michigan voters know that when Jennifer Granholm increased taxes it cost Michigan jobs. Michigan voters know when Kwame Kilpatrick promised new leadership for Detroit it led to failure.  Most importantly, Michigan voters know that Barack Obama's association with Bill Ayers, Tony Rezko, and other questionable individuals had important roles in developing his worldview that is dangerous for our future.

I agree with what you said on Fox News today and I hereby invite you to come to Michigan immediately.  The good people of Macomb County, Northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and Grand Rapids await your response.

Your Friend and Loyal Supporter of McCain-Palin 2008,

Chuck Yob
Michigan Co-Chairman
McCain-Palin 2008
Republican National Committee Member 1989-2008
Former Vice Chairman, Republican National Committee

PS:      I look forward to talking to you and Senator McCain about this. 

PSS:   We have MANY requests for Todd to come to Michigan.

10/03 05:58 PMShare