Can You Count on Larry DeShazor?

Examining the various surveys and newspaper articles surrounding a political campaign sometimes yields useful information. In particular, we continue to accumulate clues to answer the persistent question: What does Larry DeShazor stand for?

The 2008 campaign hasn't produced any remarks on the order of DeShazor's 2006 statement opposing making English the official language of Michigan "sends an unwelcoming message to foreign business". He also dismissed the role of moral values in public policy.

And on traditional family values, DeShazor said, "I think we need to leave that up to families. ... Leave that to professionals, counselors, parents."

There was also his equivocation on taxes.

Much of Wednesday's discussion centered around taxes and government spending. Vander Roest, Hoogendyk and Zondervan declared their opposition to any kind of tax increases, while DeShazor and Romero took a less simplistic approach.

"Sometimes you have to spend money to make money,'' said DeShazor, adding that investment in such areas as education and infrastructure could fuel economic growth.
...

Romero and DeShazor joined the others in calling for elimination of the state's Single Business Tax, but were the only two who said the state would need to find another revenue source to replace the $1.9 billion generated by the tax. "I believe the state cannot survive without that revenue,'' DeShazor said.

But DeShazor has answered a number of questions in ways that will make conservatives wonder where he stands. The legislature replaced the SBT with the MBT, which is now reviled by business as even worse than before.

The latest tax issue that O'Brien said needs reforming was itself intended to be a reform: the new Michigan Business Tax.

"This Michigan Business tax is an absolute nightmare,'' she said. "Part of that tax is a gross-receipts tax, which means every dime that flows in business, the tax is based on that. ... That's a really difficult issue for a lot of businesses.''

...

Part of that, he said, is fostering a climate where businesses are not overburdened by taxes. He, too, has qualms with the Michigan Business Tax and favors repealing the 22 percent surcharge associated with it.

Qualms? Does he favor the MBT or not?

From Gongwer ($), here's DeShazor on "gay marriage".

Ms. O'Brien said she opposes same-sex marriage, while Mr. DeShazor said that issue already has been decided by the constitutional amendment and attorney general's opinion on health care benefits for same-sex couples.

True, but does he oppose it?

Mr. DeShazor said the state's gun laws are fine the way they are, while Ms. O'Brien said every family has a right to protect themselves and she favors allowing more people to obtain a concealed weapons permit as long as they don't have a history of criminal activity or mental health issues.

So handgun licencing and registration are "fine"?

On the Reform Michigan Government Now! proposal, Ms. O'Brien said on the whole she opposes it because it amends too much of the Constitution at one time. She said she fears people will not get good representation under the initiative; she favors a part-time Legislature and decreasing legislative pay when it comes to government reforms.

Mr. DeShazor said he supports less government, but is interested to see what the courts rule on the ballot proposal.

Everyone who isn't a democrat hack opposes the RMGN proposal. Why doesn't DeShazor take a position? You certainly don't have to look hard for reasons to oppose it.

Then there is this on alternative energy from his Gazette survey.

Studies show wind power to be the best practical source of alternative energy in Michigan. Other viable alternative energy sources include fuel cells, geothermal and solar energy, all of which are environmentally friendly and will create jobs.

What studies? Alternative energy is inefficient and not a major source of energy. It won't create jobs if it doesn't work. Geothermal? Anyone notice any volcanoes or fault lines in Michigan?

From the League of Women Voters survey:

Partisan politics and special interests have a stranglehold on common sense at the capital. ... We cannot wait any longer for politicians in Lansing to come to their senses, but must move beyond the outworn ideologies of the extreme left and right.

Which special interests? Which outworn ideologies of the extreme right must we move beyond?

Every answer seems to raise more questions. Conservatives need a candidate we can count on in the 61st district.

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