Michigan GOP finds itself in debt (headline in today's Detroit News)

[Bozita]

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/POLITICS/804180373

Friday, April 18, 2008
Michigan GOP finds itself in debt

$240,000 deficit, fundraising difficulties threaten party's ability to compete in fall

Gordon Trowbridge / Detroit News Washington Bureau

Michigan Republican activists are worried that their state party, heading into an intensive and expensive 2008 campaign, is in debt and failing to raise the money it needs to be competitive this fall.

The combination of a $240,000 debt and a harsh fundraising environment for Republicans is expected to be the topic of debate this weekend, when the state GOP's budget and central committees meet in Lansing.

"Basically, we're close to a quarter of a million dollars in debt, and this should be a time we're raising money and not spending it," said Bill Beddoes of Allen Park, the party's 14th Congressional District chairman. "It's very disturbing."

The financial picture could be key to a list of crucial races up and down the ticket -- from the presidential race in what is expected to be a battleground state, to GOP hopes of recapturing control of the Michigan House.

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