MB: No, it's not. I don't know what happened with that crowd. You would think with a business crowd that is sick and tired of big government and sick and tired of being overtaxed would rally to the conservative elements of either party. This crowd seems to support the concepts of big government and investing in these projects even though our state can't afford it.

RM: One of the issues that comes up is regional transport in southeastern Michigan. Is this an issue government should even be involved in?

MB: This group doesn't care if we don't have the money - they're going to spend it anywhere. They are setting us up for another tax increase. We have to pull our head out of the sand and recognize this kind of mentality is going to drive Michigan into the ground. Public transportation is a noble cause - one I think we will have to start talking about because of the growing costs of fuel in our state and country. But we can't afford it.

RM: What do you say to the taxpayer in Marquette who doesn't want to pay for Detroit's public transport?

MB: I agree with him. The good part of the discussion is the private sector is stepping up and seeing the value in having a light rail system without having to burden taxpayers with that expense.

RM: We hear a lot about a part-time Legislature and term limits. Why amend the Constitution when you could vote tomorrow to adjourn?

MB: There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it. You have to understand how the legislative cycle operatives. We operate off an agenda just like any business, and we end up pushing things off when we operate off more days than needed. If we had a 90 or 120-day cycle, it would force us to work on our priorities and get things done. Right now, there is a lot of waste - especially in the House. The House Democratic leadership has created so much waste in the way they operate.

RM: What do you say to people who say cutting the pay of legislators would empower special interests and stop someone with a family from serving?

MB: The Democratic Party is full of legislators that are organized labor in the state. I don't see how this would change much - it's a big excuse not to support a part-time Legislature. Government was setup to be part-time with legislators spending a limited amount of time in the capitol.

We are supposed to be back home - staying connected with the people we are supposed to represent. Michigan would benefit from a part-time Legislature - forcing us to focus on our priorities instead of superficial priorities aimed at a political agenda.

The state of Texas operates on a part-time legislature and meets every other year. They do what they have to do and get out of town. If Texas, Arizona, Florida and the other states can do it, Michigan can too.

RM: Wouldn't going part-time help the governor?

MB: One of the things you have to do is empower the leaders of the two chambers to call back legislators for special sessions instead of keeping that power solely with the governor.

RM: Senate Republicans had a great record of success last year with taxes and preserving individual freedom. What's next this year?

MB: Our goal is to continue to fundamentally reform government. We know over the coming years the deficit is going to be somewhere around $3 billion in five years. Our responsibility is to trim back government - passing fundamental reforms, allowing the state government to continue to exist without new taxes on citizens.

We're going to challenge this administration to roll back the tax burdens on citizens in this state. We have to create an environment that is competitive. We have to stand up to this administration's pledge to grow government and its out-of-control spending.

RM: Speaking of reform, what about reforming the levels of government, including townships?

MB: I think it's a fair discussion. Townships serve a purpose, but consolidating government is about streamlining services that makes a huge difference locally. State government has to find ways to clear paths to allow governments to work together. Bureaucratic governments are across the state - duplicating services. This patchwork doesn't work.

RM: This administration wants to regulate, regulate and regulate. Why? What's next?

MB: They like to do this. This is an administration that wants to dig in and run everyone's business. This is doing dramatic damage to the state. It's over regulation and big government. The smoking ban is another example of how they want to tell every private person how to run their life.

RM: Moving past these legislative issues, let's talk about Oakland County. What do you say to those who say your county is no longer Republican?

MB: In this environment you always have to be concerned. I deeply resent a Mark Brewer or Dave Woodward coming in to Oakland County and trying to buy us out with money to buy our leadership. Oakland County is a conservative county. It is still the engine that drives the state. Our responsibility is to ensure we don't let government control out of control.

RM: What's next for Mike Bishop? We're hearing all this talk about you running for governor or attorney general in 2010.

MB: Candidly, I would say I'm always looking at options. I have enjoyed my role at the state Senate, and I have enjoyed being a public servant. I'm schooled and experienced in the private experience, and I could always go back. This has been the most rewarding experience of my life, but I always could go back.

There would (have to) be a need for me to do it. I honestly believe in public service - it's a calling. If I feel it's the right move for me and I have the support, I will step up to the challenge.