Serving His Country in UniformState GOP Leader Raczkowski
Answers Army's Call to Active Duty
Andrew "Rocky" Raczkowski, former majority leader of the Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan GOP vice-chairman, announced his call to active duty in remarks to the Eastside Republican Club, February 19, 2008, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, Grosse Pointe Farms.
Introducing Raczkowski, ERC chairman Dr. Julie Corbett said, “Rocky is passionate about his country and about politics.”
As a major in the U.S. Army Reserves, Raczkowski, a 22-year Army veteran, said that he has been given six to seven months to prepare for his next deployment.
At that time he will be one of 42 activated Army reservists from Michigan, but he is not free to reveal further details at this time.
Faced with another frontline tour with the U.S. Army, Raczkowski said he will be unable to engage U.S. Senator Carl Levin in a 2008 rematch, and endorses fellow-Republican Jack Hoogendyk of Kalamazoo for the seat.
In 2002, Raczkowski was the GOP nominee challenging Levin in his bid for a fifth term in the U.S. Senate.
Supports Hoogendyk
Consequently, Raczkowski encouraged his audience to support Hoogendyk as he ramps up his campaign to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator Carl Levin in the November General Election.
“I believe he can be beaten,” Raczkowski said, speaking of Sen. Levin.
Hoogendyk is scheduled to speak to the ERC on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. >>Read Hoogendyk Comes to ERC.
The GOP leader noted, “Republicans need to repair and recapture our identity! We are fiscally conservative, socially conservative, or both.” He said in he supports less government, and more personal freedom.
From his perspective, “Rocky” listed the key issues in the 2008 General Election as immigration, the war on terror, and the nation's economy.
To strengthen the U.S. economy, Raczkowski said he supports reinforcing our nation's commitment to limited government.
Late Richard Durant
Honored With Memorial Gift
Honoring the memory of the late Richard Durant, Mike Gallaway of the Eastside Republican Club read a tribute to the longtime activist during the club's February 19 meeting at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.
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Son Clark Durant accepting on behalf of family.
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Dr. Julie Corbett, ERC chairman, then presented a gift to Durant family representative, Clark Durant (pictured, right), saying, “We are honored to present this gift in memory of a man of great courage.” >>Read Pointes Lose a Leader.
The monetary gift was a memorial contribution in memory of Durant's father, Richard Durant, 89, of Grosse Pointe Farms, who died January 17, 2008. As requested by the family, the gift was directed to the Foundation for Economic Education, Irvington-on-Hudson, New York.
Durant had been a leader in local, state, and national Republican Party activities for more than 20 years. In 1950 and 1952, he waged spirited though unsuccessful races for U.S. Congress to represent the 14th district, a traditionally democratic seat.
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Military Perspective
Turning to his recent military experience as part of Operation Enduring Freedom where he earned a Bronze Star for combat service, Raczkowski said, “When I came home, I came back to Michigan's economy where I ran a business, and we lost a ton of money.”
Raczkowski, 39, also said that repeated tours of active duty often prove to be hard on families. To cope, he said, “A lot of the military guys pray.”
He explained the complex “rules of engagement” that cause frustration and delay a U.S. soldier's response each time he is fired upon by a sniper.
“You don't have to be on the ballot to serve your country or to be a hero,” he said.
Raczkowski added, “I've lost seven buddies who served their country by paying with their lives.”
Grassroots Activism
The GOP leader firmly believes in the value of an energized grass roots organization and sees candidate recruitment, fundraising, and outreach as key areas in which the Michigan Republican Party builds for the future. He believes fundraising is of special significance, as Michigan does not presently have a Republican Governor to champion the effort.
Raczkowski is currently the Chairman and C.E.O. of Star Tickets Plus, Inc., a Michigan Corporation that sells tickets to the entertainment industry. He has many honors and also holds a law degree from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University.
Also part of the February meeting was Julie Corbett's presentation of a monetary gift from the ERC to Clark Durant in memory of his recently deceased father, Richard Durant of Grosse Pointe Farms. >>Read Pointes Lose a Leader.
The Eastside Republican Club Forum is normally held on the third Tuesday of the month from September through June. Admission is free and the public is always welcome.
