In 2004, Joe Schwarz was elected as the congressman representing Michigan's 7th congressional district (including Battle Creek, Jackson, and Adrian). Schwarz is one of the most liberal Republicans in this part of the country. Despite this, it appears that Michigan's Republican establishment is closing ranks behind him.
Let's review. Schwarz is pro-abortion. He is anti-gun, having voted against concealed carry when he was in the legislature. In 2002, he ran for governor on a platform of raising taxes. In fact, he ran to the left of Granholm. Small wonder that he lost every county to Dick Posthumus in the primary. In 2004, he ran for an open seat in congress, and won the primary with 28 percent of the vote when five other candidates (stupidly) split the votes of conservatives.
He has continued his liberal ways in Congress. The Club for Growth has set up a website to expose his liberal record on economic issues, and recent ratings from the National Taxpayers Union confirm his record as a big-government liberal.
This time around, Schwarz has drawn a primary challenge from conservative former State Rep. Tim Walberg. Walberg is everything that Schwarz isn't--pro-life, pro-gun, a fiscal conservative for smaller government.
Now, it appears that the Republican establishment is backing Schwarz. State Party Chairman Saul Anuzius has endorsed him, as has longtime national committeeman Chuck Yob. Schwarz is also being supported by former State Rep. Clark Bisbee, who in 2004 received the Right-to-Life endorsement (what were they thinking?)
It appears that the Republican establishment would endorse any Republican incumbent. Well, this is one Republican group that won't be supporting Schwarz. For more information Tim Walberg, go to his campaign site, and for more on Schwarz, check out joeschwarzisaliberal.com.
UPDATE: I have posted detailed analyses of Schwarz's positions on abortion and gun rights.
1 comment:
As an avid supporter and employee of Congressman Joe Schwarz, and also as someone who lives in the 7th Congressional district, I'd like to put in my two cents. First, the Congressman isn't pro-abortion. In fact, he voted against the bill to allow abortions to be performed on military bases. His only exceptions regarding abortions are those that mirror the Presidents stance of in the case of rape, incest/molestation or the life of the mother. In addition, to ward off any comments regarding stem cell research, as a physician the Congressman sees the value in stem cell research. However, he does not believe in the creation and then destruction of human life to gather these cells. Cong. Schwarz believes in the use of stem cells as well as "abandoned" sperm and ova from fertility clinics. As far as anti-gun goes, the Congressman is pro-gun. He voted to protect second amendment rights to those living in the City of Washington, DC. He also voted to protect the gun industry from frivilous lawsuits by those injured with firearms. In additon, he himself is a gun owner. Gun Owners of America gave him a 50 on their most recent scorecard, equal to or greater than all of the Michigan delegation.
To answer the comment regarding whether or not he is fiscally conservative, first of all, he voted for the GOP Budget. 13 Republicans voted against it. This budget recconciliation bill is the a great step to managing the budget, as well as reducing the national debt.
What has been said about Tim Walberg isn't a lie. However, I ask that equal treatment be applied to both candidates.
If you are interested in reading more about Congressman Joe Schwarz, please visit his campaign site at www.schwarzforcongress.com or his congressional website at http://schwarz.house.gov/ .
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