The bill they didn't run, in case you're joining us late, is the sentencing guideline companion piece to the ban on partial birth abortion.  No sentencing guidelines and it becomes awfully difficult to tell a lawbreaker to sit in the corner, let alone to go to jail.  The House Democrats were playing politics.  Crass, unfortunate, potentially fatal politics.

Remember, this is the political party that last year told the State people would die without a tax hike.  They didn't back that argument up particularly well but they made it.  Now their partisan dereliction of duty literally could lead to killings.  Directly.

Yeah, I'd say Right to Life is well within their rights in (potentially) pulling endorsements.  Frankly, I was ready for this move a month ago.  RTL is a heck of a lot more patient than I am.  They've been in the game maneuvering behind the scenes since January but now they're ready to fight.  And they're well within their rights.  

For "moderate" Democrats in marginal districts there's no way you can overestimate the impact an RTL endorsement can have on a race.  We're talking about the biggest, most powerful grass roots organization in the State with a(n often literally) religious following.  For a good half of the population this is a life and death issue.  Losing this endorsement could move the needle a point or two or more.  And in a 51/49 district?

Plus, it's not like the "moderates" don't already have plenty to try to explain to their constituents.  There's that not-so-insignificant billion-dollar-plus tax hike and that pesky government shut down hanging around their necks.  And the more job makers figure out the new MBT the less they like that too.  The Detroit News reports:

Businesses are reporting increases as high as 1,200 percent under the Michigan Business Tax, which took effect this year. And although lawmakers believe some of those claims are the result of confusion over the new levy, key lawmakers believe some revisions will be forthcoming.

"We're going to challenge this Legislature to do the right thing," said Bishop, R-Rochester...

Sen. Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, was a member of the special committee that held hearings into the business tax. He said Granholm's administration must bear some responsibility for confusion over the new tax.

"We heard time and again about the lack of information and assistance taxpayers are receiving from the Department of Treasury," Gilbert said.

Sen. Mark Jansen, R-Grand Rapids, shared that concern.

"I'm very concerned there are tens of thousands in the middle that really need some help," Jansen said.

A part of that "right thing" Bishop describes is a repeal of the Democrats' 22% MBT surcharge.  He told the News that the Senate will move to repeal the $500 million tax hike as soon as possible.  

The Governor, for her part, says she's really very interested in helping business as long as it doesn't hurt government.  Which might as well translate to "blah blah blah."  The Dems aren't going to be interested in giving up $500 million they could use to buy votes through their special interest friends.  Not in an election year.

Just remember those equal and opposite reactions.  Refusal to support a repeal of a job killing tax hike while job makers eviscerate the decision every night on the five o'clock news... that's not exactly a winning talking point on the campaign trail.  

The committee Jansen and Gilbert worked with just wrapped up a series of hearings around the State.  They've revealed their findings.  And all indications are that the Senate is ready to take another swing in the fight for Michigan jobs.  Took one on the chin from the Dem caucus and a couple turn coats last fall but there's been a full half year for a voter here and a voter there to have seen the light.  Time to fight.

Oh, and speaking of, and in much more frivolous but entertaining news, hockey fans hoping to see the Wings play tomorrow night in Pittsburgh were greeted with this message on the Ticketmaster website this week.

The Ivory Tower reports that didn't sit well with Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox.

Only fans in Pennsylvania, seven adjacent states and the District of Columbia can buy tickets via Ticketmaster to Saturday's Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals in Pittsburgh. No Michigan fans need apply, according to the Ticketmaster Web site.

Cox wasn't having it. He rang up Ticketmaster and the Pittsburgh Penguins to complain. And in a triumphant announcement, he assured Michigan fans they could still buy resale tickets online.

One more reason to hate the Penguins and their bush league, low class, chicken pellets thug team.  Wings in five.  And here's an early call for McCarty and Downey to each get a spot on the active roster next year during the regular season when the team comes back to Hockeytown.  Equal and opposite reactions.  Sometimes payback has to wait a few months, that's all.