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On Saturday, July 17th, four MCRGO members (Brad Foster, Rollie Brengle, Doug Drake, and Rob Kennedy) attended the barbecue put on by the Michigan Republicans at Oakland University. It was an interesting event, and was a valuable experience for all of us. Basically, it was a political pep rally for Spencer Abraham and other Republicans. While we had some reservations about wearing our mandatory "Spence in 2000" nametags due to his recent vote in the Senate, we gritted our teeth a bit and went along
for the greater good, clapping at the speeches and smiling all around.
We had a chance to meet and speak with a variety of people, including several state Senators and Representatives who were there. I met Senator Abraham, introduced myself and MCRGO, and expressed our displeasure at the gun control measures passed by the Senate. While we didn't talk in much detail, he did indicate that there were extensive politics behind that vote and that it was not a simple decision (is it ever?). I also established contact with his aide, with whom I will be speaking at greater length in the future to establish a closer relationship. I also had a chance to meet Governor
Engler and let him know who we are and what we are looking for. He was not familiar with us as a group, and seemed a bit surprised when he realized that I understood the politics behind the CCW decision and that MCRGO had been in close contact with the Speaker of the House through the process. I also met his aide, and will continue to communicate with that office to establish a closer working relationship.
We passed out a number of MCRGO newsletters and brochures to all of these people (and wore our MCRGO hats, too!). So all in all, it was a good opportunity to "show the flag" and begin to get some recognition for our group. While we may not always agree with every decision and vote that these people make, the more they see us, the better they will know us, and the better chance we will have to influence their decisions in the future.
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