Memo: Chicago Panic vs. Michigan Momentum

October 31, 2012

MEMO

To: Republican Leadership/Communicators
From: Matt Frendewey
Date: Oct. 31, 2012

RE: Chicago Panic vs. Michigan Momentum

Good afternoon, there is a lot of buzz about which campaign has momentum in Michigan, especially in light of the Obama campaign’s decision to purchase ads in Michigan. As every poll indicates, Romney is picking up ground in Michigan while Obama loses support. Mitt Romney’s campaign has momentum and Barack Obama’s campaign is in a panic.

Chicago Panic

With less than a week left in the election, campaigns are beginning to shift from voter identification to GOTV, which is why yesterday’s decision by the Obama campaign to purchase ads in Michigan should make every Democrat nervous.

Mere hours after Obama’s National Campaign Manager Jim Messina told reporters that purchasing ads in Michigan was a sign of “weakness,” it was reported that Obama’s campaign purchased ads in Michigan. But, what most outlets didn’t announce, Obama’s ad will not begin airing until Thursday – this means the ads will air only five days before voters go to the polls. This is hardly enough time to have a major impact on the race.

What does this mean? Obama’s ads are meant to help turnout and buffer their deflated and hallow ground game.

Michigan Momentum

However, Michigan Republicans have a strong, active and engaged ground game.

Fast Facts:

· This week MIGOP-Romney will make its 3.5 Millionth voter contact.
· Today, Gov. Snyder will knock on the millionth door for the MIGOP-Romney victory program.
· Over 2.2 million volunteer voter contacts in Michigan since the absentee and early voter turnout program began nationwide.
· MIGOP-Romney has made the 6th most voter contacts in the country.
· Nearly 8,000 people have given their time to elect Mitt Romney and the Republican ticket.
· MIGOP-Romney has made 3 times the number of calls than made in 2008.
· MIGOP-Romney has made 31 times more door knocks than made in 2008.
· MIGOP-Romney victory program has 24 victory centers, including the Marquette Victory Center that remains in the top ten highest producing offices, nationwide.

2004 Underperformance:

· In 2004 President Bush underperformed in Western Wayne and Oakland County

o In Western Wayne and Oakland County last week we have knocked on nearly 90,000 doors and made 65,000 phone calls
o Since September 15th we have knocked on over 325,000 doors in Western Wayne and Oakland County

As Chairman Bobby Schostak, Executive Director Kim Jorns and Romney-Michigan State Director John Sellek discussed on a press call yesterday afternoon, the victory program is shifting into GOTV, as we turnout our voters and elect Republicans up and down the ticket.

In addition to the strong ground game, the pro-Romney PAC, Restore our Future, announced a $2.2 million buy to run until election day.

Election Day is less than seven days away and it is clear: Mitt Romney has the momentum and Barack Obama’s campaign is in panic mode.

Thanks,

Matt Frendewey
Director of Communications
Michigan Republican Party
O: 517-487-5413