An elderly Michigan woman died in October as the result of a severe dental infection after adult dental Medicaid benefits were cut in the state. Blanche D. LaVire, 76, had been diagnosed with abscesses earlier in the year and reportedly suffered from advanced periodontitis. Because LaVire was mentally challenged, she required special treatment. Her condition was such that her doctors felt it would be unwise to undergo treatment in a dentist’s office. Advised to have the necessary procedure performed in a hospital, LaVire was then scheduled for an oral surgery near the end of June. The procedure was delayed when LaVire contracted pneumonia. Once she had recovered from the pneumonia, doctors attempted to reschedule LaVire’s procedure, but discovered she was no longer covered by Medicaid. An executive order issued by Michigan’s Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm had taken effect on July 1 that dramatically cut adult dental Medicaid benefits. All oral health services were eliminated by the order, with the exception of emergency services.---

Michigan Democrats stumbled across a blog from an underage student from Central Michigan University named Vanessa Oblinger who attended the weekend soiree. "Let me tell you, rich politicians know how to throw a pretty damn good party and they definitely do treat the [college Republicans] pretty well -- a free trip to mackinac [sic] including free fairy [sic] trips, free hotel rooms, free food, and 'the drank,'" Oblinger wrote. "Friday night, we were rewarded with open bars and free dinners. The X’s on the minors hands were washed off and the free drinks showered upon us."

A Ford car plant which was recently shut down as part of cost savings by the car maker is being converted into a facility for renewable energy companies. The facility in Wixom, Michigan, which at the height of production had about 5,000 workers, closed in 2007 with the loss of 1,000 jobs. The site will now be converted into a business park for a series of renewable energy companies, which the backers claim could generate about 4,000 jobs. Ford said it has been working with energy storage system provider Xtreme Power and solar panel maker Clairvoyant Energy, who will be the first companies to take up residency in the 320-acre site and its 4.7 million square feet of plant space.Although Ford and the other companies involved discussed their role in developing the site, the backers also admit that state and local incentives were key to the project including refundable battery and photovoltaic tax credits,

But why, oh why, are the Obamas headed for the Vineyard? Sure there are a surprising number of liberals–mostly banker and real estate types from Manhattan–on the island, but what is the message? There are many beautiful and deserving places where the presidential cavalcade can leave a mark. For example, how about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? It is a glorious vacation destination, and it has not really had a boost since Esther Williams made those ridiculous swimming movies on Mackinac Island in the 1940s.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The same Republican-owned law firm that may have tried to help Michigan Republicans hand an electoral victory to John McCain here in the November presidential election may also be blocking effective foreclosure relief legislation.

A Detroit Free Press columnist argues that Congress shouldn't let President Bush's last two months in office go by without pressing for impeachment. Rochelle Riley argues that immediate impeachment hearings would prevent Bush from issuing preemptive pardons for government officials accused of crimes and would prevent the president from further...

"There are clear similarities between Michigan Secretary of State Land's operation and voter caging conducted for political purposes. They both rely on mailings to registered voters to establish the validity of the registration based on the voter's original address in the state registration files. They both rely on the use of returned envelopes ("unforwardable") as sufficient proof that the intended recipient is not qualified to vote." The state of Michigan had an unlawful one stop "voter caging" operation in place but the ACLU and an honest panel of judges struck it down. We need more victories like this and we'll get them but not in time to make sure that all citizens have their full franchise. That's a fairly simple goal to reach if everybody involved is honest and straightforward. Time for truth!

A judge has ordered Michigan election officials to stop automatically canceling a voter's registration if the card is returned as undeliverable. Federal Judge Stephen Murphy in Detroit ruled Monday in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and a group representing college students. More than 1,400 voters in that category have been disqualified so far in 2008. The judge says it's unclear how many cancelations actually are wrong but it's a violation of federal law. Murphy says those people shouldn't be prevented from voting if they can produce more proof of residency at the polls.

The latest poll by Rasmussen, released moments ago, sheds light on why John McCain decided to bolt from Michigan.

By R J Shulman 04 Oct 2008 John McCain announced today that his campaign is retreating from Michigan. "It’s no big deal we are pulling out," McCain said, "because there are other places to continue our battle. We are moving our forces into Maine, Wisconsin, Czechoslovakia, and on the border between Iraq and Pakistan. The surge is already working in Maine," McCain said. "I can now walk safely on the streets of downtown Portland." "This hockey mom will never surrender," McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, said. "In fact, we are moving some of our resources from Michigan to my house so we can see better what those Russians are up to." (Satire)

John McCain is leaving the state of Michigan, all but conceding the electoral votes to Barack Obama. This is good news for Obama, but on some level, bad news for Michiganders. Yes, Obama would likely win Michigan anyway, and the residents would be better off with Obama than McCain. However, with no candidates coming around, the people's voices won't be heard between now and Election Day.

First McCain abandons Michigan, surrendering to Obama. The economy isn’t working in his favor. We find out the State Department abandoned Michigan in June, deciding the bad economy prevents them from resettling Iraqi refugees there. That explains McCain’s action. Are the voters of Michigan angry at McCain now? You bet.

WASHINGTON (Oct. 3) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain conceded battleground Michigan to Democrat Barack Obama on Thursday, a major retreat as he struggles to regain his footing in a campaign increasingly dominated by economic issues. McCain-Palin Photos

Recent polls have Obama expanding a lead in Michigan to double digits in some polls. McCain had hoped to provide more avenues to win the necessary 270 by taking a few blue states. Michigan was one of them. Reality has set in though that in the current economic crisis and mess, Michigan is one of the most battered states economically

"We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure people aren't voting from those addresses," Macomb County GOP chairman James Carabelli reportedly told the Messenger in the Sept. 10 report.

Grand Rapids, Mich. – An enthusiastic crowd of several hundred people gathered at Central High School here Sat., Sept. 27, for a rally held by Hillary Clinton on behalf of Barack Obama.

"The U.S. Justice Department will “continue to monitor closely” reports that a Michigan Republican Party official planned to use home foreclosure lists to challenge voters’ eligibility on Election Day. ... Democrats charge that Republicans seek to suppress turnout from certain groups of voters and argue themselves for polling practices that will make it it easier to vote. Republicans complain that voter fraud –- whether it is people who falsely represent themselves registering or voting –- is the chief threat to the election’s integrity, even though there are relatively few cases of fraud."

Many Americans don't own American-company made cars. Even presidential candidates can do so. But John McCain said in Michigan and that he has always bought American, and it's not true. Of the 13 cars he owns, 4 are foreign. In Detroit and Michigan, that's not popular, but lying makes it worse.

LANSING, Mich. – In a speech to the Michigan Democratic Party convention, held here last weekend, Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) criticized John McCain's claim to be more experienced than Barack Obama for the presidency.

Former ultra-conservative Mexican President Vincente Fox took a swipe at Michigan workers this week while appearing to endorse John McCain.