Tea-Publican Tyranny in Michigan Update: Gov. Snyder, up to 15 legislators target of recall

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The state of Wisconsin will have an unprecedented nine state senators up for a recall election this summer.

Taking their cue from Wisconsin, the citizens of Michigan are launching their own recall effort. Up to 15 GOP legislators — in addition to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder — have been targeted for recall from voters upset about the emergency manager "financial martial law," school cuts, the new tax on public and private pensions, and other issues. Gov. Snyder, 15 GOP legislators target of recall efforts | The Detroit News:

Petitions are being circulated against Snyder, Sen. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek, and Rep. Al Pscholka, R-Stevensville. At least nine others, including the Senate Majority Leader and the House Speaker, await hearings — four are scheduled this week — on whether wording on petitions is clear enough to be approved by county elections officials. If OK'd, petitioners can begin collecting signatures.

"It's (unprecedented) in terms of the sheer numbers of legislators subjected to recalls, including the governor," said Craig Ruff, senior fellow with Public Sector Consultants. "It is enough to unnerve legislators."

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"This is uncharted territory, we've never had a recall mounted against the Legislature on issues like these," he said. "And the big difference this year is that it's Republicans being targeted."

If some of the recalls are successful and Democrats win the seats, it could tip the balance of power in the state Legislature, giving the minority party in both chamber more power to influence or block legislation.

This effort seems exceedingly ambitious given the time frame:

For a recall to be placed on the ballot, petitioners have to collect enough signatures to equal 25 percent of the number of voters who cast a ballot for governor in the most recent election in the jurisdiction where the recall is being held. Organizers normally collect more signatures than needed since some are inevitably deemed invalid. The Secretary of State's office has 35 days from when petitions are turned in to check signatures and resolve any challenges.

To get on the November election ballot, petitions have to be turned in by Aug. 8.

I wish you luck.