Capital Conference

Session Resources

Evaluation

2008 Capital Conference Session Summary

Capitol Press Corp Media Roundtable

A panel of experienced Capitol media personalities—Tim Skubick, Bill Ballenger, Kathy Barks Hoffman and Chris Christoff provided a lively, insightful and often amusing round of predictions.

• Democratic Nominations:  Obama to win unless something happens to destroy his campaign.  Hillary has bottomed out, Obama has the ability to drop.  Hillary’s Bosnia comment has hurt her, underscoring suspicions that she has overplayed her accomplishments.  Her experience is valued, but proof of its relevance is questionable.  The value of experience is demonstrated in the McCain nomination.  However, Hillary losing because she neglected the caucus states—a huge strategic blunder.

• McCain Age Factor: Yes, it’s a factor.  His running mate must be younger.  McCain represents aging Boomers who value the experience.  Obama supporters are younger and value change.

• Clinton/Obama:  If Clinton “steals” the election with super delegates, younger Obama voters will stay home.  If Obama wins, Clinton voters will still go out to vote for the democrat.

• Economy/War Factors: Republicans are blamed; this works against McCain.  Also, if efforts to get the Iraq situation under control fail, this works against McCain.

• Vice President:  If Obama ran as VP, democrats could win.  No one sees Clinton running as VP, leaving the door open for McCain.

• Revenue Sharing: 4 percent increase dependent on May Revenue Estimating Conference; budget still unsure.

• Granholm:  If Clinton wins, does Granholm leave for DC?  No.

• Part-Time Legislature on the Ballot – would fail.

• Fair Tax on Ballot – would fail; has active opposition and confusing to voters.

• Medical Marijuana on Ballot – would pass.

• Potential Gubernatorial Candidates for 2010:  Dems; John Cherry, Bob Ficano, Dennis Archer.  No clear frontrunner; Cherry could be hurt by Granholm’s legacy of bad economy.  Republicans: Dick DeVos, Mike Cox, Candace Miller, David Brandon, Bill Schuette.  To beat DeVos, other candidates would have to come out early.  If DeVos announces early, it might discourage others from running.  Mike Cox most likely, other than DeVos.