"What the hell is going on out here?"

My apologies to anyone who might take offense at the famous Vince Lombardi exclamation in the title of this post, but I am amazed by the stuff I am seeing in advance of Saturday's Michigan GOP State Convention, particularly the stuff relating to Ron Weiser and Brian Calley.

I know Ron Weiser just a little, having had a total of about 30 minutes of conversation with him over the last two years.  I can't recall ever having a conversation with Brian Calley.  So, I am not writing this out of some long-developing bond with either man.

Against Weiser, people have dredged up the most inconsequential facts and attempted to turn them into some sort of indictment against a man we should all be foursquare behind.  Ron Weiser's contributions to the state and national Republican parties are monumental, and does anyone remember his pivotal role in making Michigan a freedom-to-work state?  Here is a man who has slaved tirelessly on behalf of Republicans -- all Republicans -- and has earned our respect, our loyalty, and our votes.

I have nothing against the other candidates, whom I also respect, but they should be denouncing these smear tactics, instead of remaining silent or, in at least one case, appearing to participate.

People are pretty familiar with the range of attacks on Calley, principally the same complaints people have about the governor -- Medicaid expansion, possible road taxes, etc.  There is certainly room for debate on these issues, but there is no room for debate on Michigan 2014 vs. Michigan 2010.  What a difference real leadership makes, even if you don't agree with it 100 percent of the time.  Like it or not, Calley is part of the team that has moved our great state forward, and he has earned his place as the Governor's choice for running mate.

For those who favor the other candidate, how would that work, exactly?  Do you honestly think he would be part of the administration?  Do you think he'd travel with the governor, talk strategy with the governor, or have any substantive role whatsoever?

Article V, Section 25 of the Michigan Constitution describes the role of the lieutenant governor:

The lieutenant governor shall be president of the senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided. He may perform duties requested of him by the governor, but no power vested in the governor shall be delegated. 

If Calley's opponent is selected on Saturday, and if the Governor is reelected in November (which would be made harder by the opponent's selection), the new LG won't need to find a residence in Lansing -- he'll be attending funerals around the state for the next four years.  His selection will be absolutely pointless, other than to provide certain folks with a source of misguided pride that they "took down the lieutenant governor."

Cataloging the first four years of the Snyder administration, honest Republicans would admit they agreed with 90 or 95 percent of the things that have been accomplished.  There are always battles to be fought and won (like the bridge), but the areas of disagreement should not be the tail wagging the dog.

I always laugh when people use the term "establishment Republican."  There's a term with no meaning whatsoever, used only by those who want to be in the establishment.  What happens when the outsider gets elected -- does he automatically become an establishment Republican to be despised and vilified?  Look at our Attorney General -- he is an unbelievable public servant, conservative and dedicated.  Is he an establishment Republican?

For the last four years, Brian Calley deserves our support.  For a lifetime of dedicated service, Ron Weiser deserves our support.  Both of these men are undeniable conservatives and should be nominated at Saturday's convention.