MichiBlogger

PRIMARY TODAY: This is what Michigan wanted when it moved up its primary. Michigan wanted to matter more, and it will, at least for the Republican race: Tuesday could be super for Republicans. About 20% of registered voters are expected to participate.

Many Democrats, of course, are not on the Michigan ballot. I’ll go out on a limb and predict a Clinton victory in that race. However, with no real reason to vote Democrat, many Democrats are probably considering “crossing over” and voting in the Republican race to sway things. A GR Press poll shows that 22% of respondents say “I normally vote Democratic and will vote on the Republican ballot”

Meanwhile: Independents may help McCain

I predict that McCain will beat out Romney by a slight margin, with Guilliani and Thompson back in the pack. Huckabee is tough to predict. I have trouble believing he’ll do well, but surveys and so-called experts say otherwise. We’ll see.

Ron Paul will be MIA, which will lead to more outcries of “stolen election” from his supporters.

No write-ins will be accepted. See here for more info on this year’s primary process.

MICHIBLOGGER IS UPGRADING to Moveable Type 4.01. There will probably be a few hiccups along the way, but we should be through them quickly. Let me know if you see anything broken or unusual.

UPDATE: Well, that went even better than expected. As far as I can tell, we’re fully upgraded and no one should be able to tell the difference. Let me know if you come across anything odd.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, MICHIGAN! Let’s hope 2008 is a little better than 2007.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE. Though the weather outside is frightful, we’re off shortly to celebrate with family and friends.

Also, take a moment to remember all of our servicemen and women who are away from their families this holiday. So many of us owe so much to so few. Let’s not forget them while we make merry.

I hope you all have a great holiday. Take it easy on the roads.

Merry Christmas and God Bless America.

ICE: GR ice skating rink opening soon

Opens Friday at Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, MICHIGAN. Even though these aren’t exactly the best of times in our state, we’ve still got an awful lot to be thankful for.

Here’s hoping you’re able to have a great day of food, family, and fun.

FRAUD: Telemarket fraud may be in Van Buren County

WOODTV.com:

The Van Buren County Sheriff warned residents to be on the look-out for telemarketers claiming to be with the Michigan Sheriffs Association on Friday.

Sheriff Gribler recently sent out thousands of letters to area homes reminding them to help support the MSA, which provides educational traning for he and his personnel.

He wanted to make it clear that his efforts by mail are not related to any telemarketing calls.

The MSA never solicits by phone, according to MSA Executive Director Terrence Jungle. Jungle says the organization made a deliberate decision to avoid telemarketing.

Anyone who receives a fraudulent telemarketing call should record as many details about the call as possible and contact the MSA or Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (877) 765-8388.

LAMPREYS: Hitting them where it hurts.

SHIPWRECK: Absolute Michigan Word of the Week. Links and more. Check it out.

THE 97TH CARNIVAL OF HOMESCHOOLING: Homeschool U at Principled Discovery.