Now that the Michigan Presidential Primary is past, I can get back to opining and writing about local politics and political figures. I self-imposed a blogging moratorium on myself because some cranks were concerned that I would shave my reportage to favor one particular candidate over another. Because of my job at the Michigan Republican Party, it made sense to be above the fray. Now that the primary is passed, I can get back to what I do best. Sorry it’s been so long since I last posted. I promise not to let my loyal readers down.

Yep, the rumors are true. But the LBC will continue in its current configuration. Here’s the release that just went out.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 6, 2007

Michigan GOP Names New Spokesman

Nowling to become Director of Communications & Research.

LANSING – Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis today announced that Lansing veteran William Nowling is coming on board as party spokesman and will head up the party’s communications and research efforts through the 2008 election cycle. Nowling begins his new position August 13 and replaces Sarah Anderson, who is stepping down to pursue other interests after more than two years in the post.

“We’re excited that Bill is joining our team and will be leading our communications and research efforts to even higher levels,” Anuzis said. “Bill is an excellent communicator and strategist, and I am confident he will be a strong voice for the Michigan Republican Party as it heads into next year’s crucial elections.”

Nowling, 41, currently is director of media relations for the Sterling Corporation, a Lansing-based political and public relations consultancy. A former newspaper reporter in Minnesota and North Dakota, the Ypsilanti native is a veteran of the Lansing political scene, serving most recently as press secretary for former Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema. He also was deputy speechwriter for former Gov. John M. Engler. Nowling resides in Brighton, Michigan, with wife and two children.

Michigan Republican Party Executive Director Jeff Timmer said Nowling takes the reins of a state party communications effort that is considered one of the most sophisticated operations among state parties in the nation.

“During the past two years under Sarah’s guidance, our communications and research program reached unprecedented heights,” Timmer said. “Sarah’s, and the entire team’s, aggressive and clever style helped push Republican principles to the forefront of Michigan’s political and legislative debate, and also has helped make the Michigan Republican Party a model to other state parties across the country.”

Technorati Tags: Michigan, Politics, Republican, Nowling

LBC got some props in today’s edition of the Livingston Daily Press & Argus. Check it out.

DC Spokesblogger David All buzzed me today to asked if I had read yesterday’s NYT, which of course, I hadn’t.

It seems the the Times’s Modem Media beat reporter Tom Zeller has a piece about theblog chatter over whether Senator John McCain, who would be the 70 years old if he was elected president 2008 and took office in 2009, was dozing during President Bush’s SOTU. All posted a good analysis of how a simple clip on YouTube.com can take a second in time and turn it into what Zeller called a ‘macaca’ moment. LBC commented on this issue here and on David’s blog, and it was the latter that got picked up thusly:

Said one commenter at Mr. All’s site: “Asleep or not, McCain et al. forgot one of the maxims of modern politics: When cameras are in the room, keep your head up and smile.”

Thanks for the link-back, Zeller. I think from now on, I am going to refer to the Times as “One news organization from New York…” I guess you don’t have to worry about spelling my name right when you don’t use it.

Technorati Tags: Lunchbucket, McCain, Presidential, Republican,