The Dexter Leader
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Schauer talks about state, national issues during visit to Chelsea
By Edward Freundl, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: April 17, 2008
Billed as a "conversation about the economy," state Sen. Mark Schauer of Battle Creek paid a visit to Chelsea last Thursday.
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About 15 people crowded into Zou Zou's CafÈ to hear the Senate Minority Leader draw comparisons between himself and current Seventh District GOP Congressman Tim Walberg.
He had stopped in Manchester earlier that morning, and after spending more than an hour in Chelsea, he was on his way to Saline for a similar engagement.
Although he has not formally declared himself a candidate, it was clear Schauer believes he is ready to graduate from state politics to the national stage.
"I have a great passion for change, and I'm very excited to represent the people of Washtenaw County in Washington," Schauer said.
Talking about campaign financing, Schauer said "I've out-raised Walberg," and suggested that more could be done to introduce fairness to the campaign finance process.
"Our future is at risk and we need a Congressman and a President who will fight for our jobs and our families," he said.
"Walberg is listening to the special interests in Washington and not the people of the Seventh District."
The question arose of what to do about corporate lobbyists.
"They are paid to represent special interests, and the question I'd ask of lobbyists is, who do you represent?" Schauer said.
"(As a legislator, )You listen to them, you balance it out, then make up your mind."
Schauer said the main theme of his agenda is Walberg's misplaced priorities.
"That's why I'm running," he said.
"I believe the future of our country is at stake."
Schauer also responded to questions about the muddied situation caused by Michigan moving up its primary election to Jan. 15.
That move raised the ire of Democratic and Republican national party officials, who ruled that Michigan delegates to this summer's nominating conventions would not be allowed to participate.
"My opinion about the whole crazy primary election process is, until we come to an agreement with the DNC (Democratic National Committee), we'll probably end up giving up our delegates," Schauer said.
He explained that Michigan decided to move up its primary from its usual March date only after New Hampshire chose to disregard a national agreement and reschedule its own election date.
"We took a risk," Schauer said. "In a normal year, nine times out of 10 the nominee is already selected by March, but it didn't happen this time."
Schauer confirmed that there would be no "do-over" of the primary, nor will there be a caucus to select convention delegates.
"I'm angry at the DNC for putting us in this position," he said.
"We're in negotiations now, and the best I can say is, stay tuned."
Continuing his thoughts on the presidential election, Schauer said changing the direction of the nation requires a change in attitude from the White House.
"(GOP candidate John) McCain is a war hero who deserves our respect, but his position would just be a continuation of the status quo," Schauer said. "We need to change course in the country."
Bill Kauffman, a professor of aeronautical engineering at the University of Michigan, came to Zou Zou's hear what Schauer had to say.
Kauffman pointed out that he was extremely upset with Bush administration and university policies that seem to encourage the export of advanced technology to China.
"There are more than 6,000 Chinese students at the university and they are taking it all back with them," Kauffman said.
"I'm going to meet with Schauer and show him what I've found," he continued. "I've talked to Walberg about this three times, and I might as well talk to my dog."
Kauffman said he thought Schauer would do "a much better job" than our current Congressman.
"He recognizes the government wants revenue, but to do that we need taxpayers with good jobs," Kauffman said.
Elsie Swanberg of Chelsea said she was "impressed by (Schauer's) enthusiasm."
"I think he could help bring about positive changes for Michigan's economy," she said.
"I also liked his emphasis on job training for our unemployed."
Other points that Schauer brought up struck a chord with Swanberg, such as his concern about the energy crisis and a need for alternative solutions.
"That's something Walberg has talked about but not done much," she said. "He's followed President Bush's ideas on that, and there hasn't been much done on our problems with energy."
Swanberg noted that, as a state senator, Schauer would be familiar with how the system works if he does go to Washington
"Although he may have good ideas and intentions, he also knows the reality of politics and the difficulties he will encounter," Swanberg said.
"I think he's sincere and would be a good asset for Michigan."
Roy Schmidt of Chelsea, chairman of the Western Washtenaw Democrats, said he would have preferred to see more people at the event to hear what Schauer had to say.
"The group he attracted was probably not the biggest fans of Mr. Walberg," Schmidt said.
"I think it was good of him to take the time to come - it was fairly well attended, but it would have been nice if more business leaders had attended."
Schmidt also remarked on the senator's enthusiasm for the job, and a sense of fair play when speaking of his presumed opponent's policies.
"One of the things he brings is a really strong passion," Schmidt said.
"I haven't heard any Republican bashing from him; he doesn't criticize Walberg on a personal basis."
Schmidt noted that Schauer would likely benefit from a keen sense of political timing.
"This is a year when change is very likely going to happen; there may be a new paradigm in government no matter who is elected," Schmidt said.
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