LANSING—The first anniversary of the Michigan Democratic Party’s purchase of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cliff Taylor’s taxpayer-funded car today highlighted the Justice’s selfish abuse of his perks and power. In recognition of the anniversary, Mark Brewer, Chair of the MDP, presented the Chief Justice with a letter and a package of press clippings highlighting Taylor’s unethical use of the car and other corrupt practices. 

“The car symbolizes Taylor’s abuses of his perks at the expense of the taxpayers,” said Brewer. “Michigan citizens are struggling, and Taylor continues to choose insurance and pharmaceutical companies over the people he is elected to serve as a fair and impartial justice.” 

On July 17 of last year, the Michigan Democratic Party purchased Taylor’s taxpayer-funded car at a public auction after Taylor was forced by pubic pressure to give up the car. Taylor admitted using the car for personal reasons. In fact, in April of last year, he told the Detroit Free Press that he used the 2005 Ford 500 for “… commuting, law school visits, ceremonial functions, and occasional trips to the grocery and for dinners out.” And he went on to explain that, “While his vacations don't typically involve a state car, he said, using one ‘would be perfectly permissible. That is the reigning interpretation. I've never heard anyone challenge it.’” 

Articles in the package highlighting Taylor’s corrupt practices include “Supreme Court needs more scrutiny,” Macomb Daily, January 16, 2007; “Odor in the Court,” Detroit Free Press, January 7, 2007; and “Getting a ride on the state budget,” Detroit Free Press, April 8, 2007, among others. 

The text of Brewer’s letter to Taylor follows this release. 

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Paid for by the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee ∙ 606 Townsend, Lansing, MI 48933 ∙ Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

         July 16, 2008 

Dear Cliff, 

      Since I’ve been driving your former taxpayer-funded car for a year now, I thought it was only appropriate that we celebrate our first anniversary. I’m sure you are missing it, so I wanted to let you know I am taking good care of the car as I travel the state sharing your pro-insurance company record with the voters. In fact, I have more than doubled the mileage on the car since you reluctantly turned it in after the scandalous press stories about your abuses.  The car has been a big hit at press events, and our local activists love to have their picture taken with the symbol of your abuse of the perks of your office!   

      Since I’m not in the habit of giving my car presents, I think you should receive this gift celebrating our first year together. A first anniversary is traditionally celebrated with paper— a letter, a book, or some fancy stationary. For you, I have packaged up some of my favorite news articles that chronicle your corrupt attempts to protect your own pay and perks while Michigan citizens have struggled to pay their bills. 

      I have to tell you, the car is great. I am sure you miss it, but with your $164,000 annual paycheck and Lucille’s high paying job with Mike Cox, I am sure you have purchased something even more luxurious by now. 

Sincerely,

Mark 

P.S. Please let the voters decide the RMGN ballot proposal – don’t abuse your power yet again!  Hope you enjoy our TV ad – it is running in your hometown!