President Obama emerged from offstage to bear hug Bill Clinton at the Democratic National convention tonight moments after Clinton giving a rousing speech nominating Obama for reelection, calling the president a man who is "cool on the outside," but "burns for America on the inside."

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obama-embraces-bill-clinton-rousing-nomination/story?id=17162829#.UEis-kLhCqc

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Sabrina Johnson as judge of the 22nd District Court, based in Inkster.

“Sabrina has an impressive record as an attorney as well as strong ties to the community,” said Snyder. “We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber willing to serve on the bench.”

 Johnson, of Inkster, has served most of her career (1996-2002; 2008-present) as an assistant Wayne County prosecutor where she has handled more than 100 felony trials and reviewed more than 800 warrants. From 2002-2008 she managed her own private law firm, Sabrina Johnson PLLC., where she represented more than 1,000 clients before the 22nd District Court, including handling a number of high profile cases like the litigation over the Rosa Parks estate.

She is a graduate of Inkster Cherry Hill High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University. Johnson fills a seat left vacant by the Michigan Supreme Court’s removal of Sylvia James for misconduct. Her appointment runs through Jan. 1, 2013. She will have to seek election in November 2012.

DETROIT -
Eberspaecher North America is holding a job fair today in Livonia to fill more than 50 fulltime positions.

The job fair runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Burton Manor, 27777 Schoolcraft Road.

The company is looking to fill positions such as manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, quality manager, controls engineers, product engineers, UGNX designers, buyers, plant Manager, production supervisors, programmers, welders, maintenance managers, materials planner, human resource generalist as well as many other professional level positions.

Eberspaecher North America is a full-service Tier I supplier, assuming complete responsibility for the conception, development and production of automotive, commercial and off road exhaust systems. They began our North American operation in 2000 and have six manufacturing sites, a state of the art Technical Center in Novi, and more than 900 employees.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Job-fair-today-in-Livonia/-/1719418/16502660/-/w7jsl1z/-/index.html

Labor leaders from Detroit are flexing their political muscles at the Democratic convention demonstrating why Detroit is seen as one of the last strongholds of the labor movement in America.

Labor's support for President Obama's reelection goes back to the 2008 campaign when then candidate Obama made it clear that he will stand with labor when he becomes president.

After his election, Obama's decision to save the auto industry created an even more special relationship between him and the United Auto Workers headquartered in Detroit.

"In Some of America's darkest economic days since the Great Depression, and in the face of tremendous political venom, President Obama met that trust test of moral character. He stood with American workers, not just auto workers but a million workers in towns all across America who if the auto industry went under wouldn't be able to put food on the table," UAW President Bob King declared in a strong speech before delegates in Charlotte. "President Obama took action, putting together a rescue team and demanding real change, real sacrifice from everyone- management, labor, shareholders, suppliers, debt holders and dealers."

King did not hesitate to attack Gov. Mitt Romney who said at Bain Capital with his partners "Made money not by building companies up, but by taking them apart. And too often, the workers ended up in the street, even as Romney and his partners walked away with millions."

Rory Gamble, UAW Region 1 A Director, said labor's unflinching support of President Obama's reelection "It is a strong sentiment to Barack Obama's dedication to working men and women in this country and his commitment to keeping good paying jobs to secure families."

Gamble said Detroit labor leaders are in North Carolina to "Honor and show respect to our president. We support him 100 percent. Republicans are attacking labor because they know we are strong. They want to gut organized labor because when we fight we bring our families on board."

He said the UAW is united behind Obama.

Michael Joseph, Communication Director/ Assistant CAP Coordinator for UAW Region 1 A said traveling from Detroit to Charlotte, "We want to a face on labor. We are defining who we are."

Joseph said no one should mistake labor for any kind of group.

"We are the face of America. We are the real job creators. When we make the middle class strong we make a stronger America," Joseph said. " We make people have good pay, good working conditions and we also have social responsibilities in our communities."

Joseph also took a shot at the Republican National Convention last week Tampa.

"I think Republicans want to take power away from us. That is why this fight is about control," Joseph said." Being an American does not belong to one separate group. Being a Christian does not belong to one separate group but this country belongs to all groups."
Bankole Thompson is the Senior Editor of the Michigan Chronicle. He is a Senior Author-in-Residence at Global Mark Makers Publishing House in Iowa where he is writing a groundbreaking six-part book series on the Obama presidency. His book "Obama and Black Loyalty" published in 2010 follows his recent book "Obama and Christian Loyalty" with a foreword by Bob Weiner former White House spokesman. His forthcoming books in 2012 are "Obama and Jewish Loyalty" and "Obama and Business Loyalty." He is the first editor of a major African American newspaper to have a series of sit-down interviews with Barack Obama. Thompson is also a Senior Political News Analyst at WDET-101.9FM Detroit (NPR Affiliate) and a member of the weekly "Obama Watch" Sunday evening round table on WLIB-1190AM New York and simulcast in New Jersey and Connecticut.

(CBS News) CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Former President Bill Clinton on Wednesday night dove into the depths of policy details and soared on lofty rhetoric to make the case for President Obama's re-election, as he officially nominated the president for a second term.

Answering the fundamental question of whether Americans are better off now than they were four years ago, Mr. Clinton said unequivocally, "The answer is yes."

The economy four years ago, he said, was in a free fall, losing 750,000 jobs a month. At the same time, the former president acknowledged that millions of Americans are still struggling. Whether or not those voters believe they will eventually benefit from the president's policies will be the deciding factor in this election, he said.

"If you will renew the president's contract, you will feel it," Mr. Clinton said. Appealing to those voters still skeptical, he said, "I just want you to know I believe it with all my heart."

The former president said Mr. Obama has laid the foundation for a robust economy, but expecting him to usher in a full recovery in four years was unrealistic.

"I had the same thing happen in 1994 and early 1995," Mr. Clinton reminisced in his 49-minute speech. "Our policies were working and the economy was growing but most people didn't feel it yet. Thankfully by 1996, the economy was roaring... The difference this time is purely in the circumstances."

"President Obama started with a much weaker economy than I did," he continued. "No president -- not me or any of my predecessors -- could have repaired all the damage that he found in just four years. But conditions are improving."

Mr. Clinton recalled the booming years of the 1990s that he presided over, noting, "People ask me all the time how we delivered four surplus budgets in a row... I always give a one-word answer: arithmetic."

It's a basic premise that Mr. Clinton said Mr. Obama's competitor, Mitt Romney, has yet to master.

"The Romney plan fails the first test of fiscal responsibility: The numbers don't add up," he said. "We simply cannot afford to give the reins of government to someone who will double-down on trickle-down."

Mr. Clinton blasted Republicans for promoting a debt reduction plan based on tax cuts, when refusing to say what spending reductions will accompany the tax cuts. "So we'll make the debt hole bigger before we even start to dig out of it," he said.

By contrast, he said, Mr. Obama not only has a plan to cut the debt by $4 trillion over four years, but one that "honors our values, and brightens the future for our children, our families and our nation. It passes the arithmetic test and far more important, it passes the values test."

Mr. Clinton also challenged the logic of Republicans on other issues such as Medicare reform. He ridiculed Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan for criticizing the $716 billion in Medicare cuts that Mr. Obama enacted when Ryan's plan also includes $716 billion in cuts.

"It takes some brass to attack a guy for doing what you did," Mr. Clinton said to laughs.

In addition to berating Republican policy, Mr. Clinton attacked the opposing party for becoming more resistant to compromise.

"When times are tough and people are angry and hurting, constant conflict may be good politics, but what is good politics does not necessarily work in the real world," he chided. "What works in the real world is cooperation."

He added, "One of the main reasons we should re-elect Barack Obama is that he is still committed to cooperation."

To back up his claims, he pointed to the president's bipartisan cabinet, along with his appointment of Mr. Clinton's wife Hillary Clinton as secretary of state. That show of cooperation in the wake of a brutal primary battle, Mr. Clinton said, gave the world a signal that "democracy does not have to be a blood sport."

Mr. Clinton praised Mr. Obama's foreign policy accomplishments as "a tribute to his strength and judgment," and he hailed the president's health care reforms, detailing the several benefits for consumers. He also swooned over the president's character, telling the enthusiastic crowd, "I want to nominate a man who's cool on the outside but who burns for America on the inside."

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57507064-503544/clinton-obama-has-laid-the-foundation-for-a-better-economy/

CHARLOTTE- NC- In Charlotte, the political climate is telling. Democrats want to send a strong message that they have the best candidate in President Barack Obama.

From across the country men and women, young and old are gathered in this crucial southern state to not only reaffirm the Democratic agenda as the party of the big tent but to ask voters to give Obama a second term.

And for Detroit, the only city in Michigan that votes 90 percent Democrat and the seat of the auto industry, the stakes are even higher.

"I think its great to talk about how Detroit was saved. But we want Obama take a fly over and look at how devastated the city is," said Detroiter Ron Scott. " I need to hear more about mass incarceration. It is not enough to mention that we have Blacks in the Democratic Party. I've heard pundits talk about African Americans like they are an issue. We are not an issue. Our survival is at issue."

Scott said he wants to hear more about how President Obama plants to address core urban issues that are affecting Black cities across the nation.

"The dismantling of public education around the nation threatens our education system," Scott said. "Those are my concerns. All of that having said I'll support Obama over Romney. We have to go beyond platforms and transform the way people live."

One of the delegates from Detroit Jesse James Hooper also echoed Scott's sentiments saying
"I want Obama to declare a state of emergency in Detroit and fly over and help us figure out how to address issues that are hurting our people. We need a works program for Detroit."

Southfield Mayor Lawrence who is also a delegate said the fact that President Obama stood for the auto industry is testament to the importance of Detroit and Michigan in this crucial election.

"As you can hear it during the speeches last night the fact that our president stood up for the auto industry shows that Obama needs us because we can validate him," Lawrence said. "For michigan we are extremely important for him to get his message out. Last night was great. We do take pride in the fact that we work and accomplish things and reach back and help others. And we are not going to apologize for that. Michelle Obama clearly showed she and President Obama are a phenomenal team."

The convention in its second night today will be keynoted by former President Bill Clinton.

First Lady Michelle Obama's keynote address last night brought delegates on the convention floor to their knees in jubilation.

Lawrence said of the First Lady's performance. " Everybody in the world now knows she validated our president. I would say mission accomplish for that."

Bankole Thompson is the Senior Editor of the Michigan Chronicle. He is a Senior Author-in-Residence at Global Mark Makers Publishing House in Iowa where he is writing a groundbreaking six-part book series on the Obama presidency. His book "Obama and Black Loyalty" published in 2010 follows his recent book "Obama and Christian Loyalty" with a foreword by Bob Weiner former White House spokesman. His forthcoming books in 2012 are "Obama and Jewish Loyalty" and "Obama and Business Loyalty." He is the first editor of a major African American newspaper to have a series of sit-down interviews with Barack Obama. Thompson is also a Senior Political News Analyst at WDET-101.9FM Detroit (NPR Affiliate) and a member of the weekly "Obama Watch" Sunday evening round table on WLIB-1190AM New York and simulcast in New Jersey and Connecticut.

Gov. Rick Snyder said he plans to appeal a state Supreme Court decision that will put the 3 percent payroll cut from school employee salaries into an escrow fund. Snyder said he wants to apply the $508 million saved from the salary cuts to pension plans to help secure education worker’s retirement future.  

On Tuesday, Snyder signed legislation that reforms pension plans for public school employees across the state. The bill is a proactive measure to secure $15 billion and avoid future “unfunded liabilities” facing the system.  

“Resolving this tremendous debt and financial burden helps our schools, our children, the taxpayers of Michigan and ultimately our school employees by ensuring their retirement benefits are funded,” Snyder said in a statement. “I appreciate all the hard work by the Legislature to get this done.”   

Supporters of the reform legislation say current system, if unchanged, would have collapsed before long, putting teachers at risk of having no retirement security. State rep. Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham) said the liability was $25.75 billion was expected to continue growing unless significant measures were taken. Michigan’s public school retirement system currently serves more than 440,000 members.

“We have effectively solved a tremendous problem facing our schools,” said state Sen. Roger Kahn, sponsor of Senate Bill 1040, which provides for the school retirement reforms. “Schools can now plan their budgets knowing that retirement costs are capped and in check for the future.” 

The rate that schools pay in employee retirement costs has doubled since 2002, and was slated to grow to a staggering 35 percent of payroll costs by 2016 had no action been taken. The new law brings big (controversial) changes including: Increased employee contributions Prefunding retiree health care New school employees will get $2,000 in health reimbursement plus 2 percent in matching contributions into a 401(k) –This replaces fully subsidized retiree health care premiums. Existing members can opt out of retiree health care coverage for 401(k) credits.     

“This is the most significant piece of legislation I’ve ever been associated with,” said State Budget Director John Nixon. “With what we’ve done to get the budget into structural balance for the long term, Michigan is in a very strong financial position.” 

DETROIT -
Voters are being asked Wednesday to decide who will face off in November to serve the rest of Thaddeus McCotter's term.

McCotter resigned from his 11th Congressional District seat after failing to get enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot. Members of his campaign are facing charges for an alleged petition-rigging scandal.

Voters will choose one of five Republicans on Wednesday's ballot to appear on the November ballot. That Republican candidate will face the lone Democrat, David Curson.

Whoever wins in November will serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for the remainder of former congressman McCotter's term.

The polls opened at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

A separate contest on the Nov. 6 ballot decided who fills the seat in 2013-2014. Republican ex-teacher Kerry Bentivolio faces Democratic Canton Township Trustee Syed Taj in that race.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/politics/Special-election-Wednesday-for-McCotter-replacement/-/1719386/16493382/-/5ts411z/-/index.html

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- President Barack Obama swept into his convention city Wednesday, eager to accept his party's nomination and make the case for re-election despite a sputtering economy. He hoped to claim a little luster from Bill Clinton's prime-time address to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday.

In a last-minute shift, the president ditched plans to deliver his acceptance speech before a throng of 74,000 at an outdoor stadium on the convention's final night, citing iffy weather for Thursday. With a chance of thunderstorms on the horizon, Obama will accept his party's nomination indoors before about 15,000 people at the Time Warner Cable Arena.

Convention CEO Steve Kerrigan said the speech was moved "to ensure the safety and security of our delegates and convention guests." But GOP spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski cast it as Democrats downgrading the event "due to lack of enthusiasm."

"Problems filling the seats?" she asked in a statement.

Rep. Patrick McHenry, a North Carolina Republican, dismissed the risks of speaking "during a light September rain" and speculated the decision "has to do more with attendance than participation."

Whatever the reason, the shift ensured there would be no repeat of the extraordinary scene from 2008, when Obama accepted the Democratic nomination in a packed-to-the-gills, 84,000-seat stadium in Denver, complete with ivory columns on the 50-yard line. Republicans mocked that as "The Temple of Obama."

The move also reduced the likelihood of anti-Obama hecklers, since most of those in the crowd will be official convention participants.

Obama planned a national conference call Thursday to those who won't get in to the smaller hall.

Clinton's convention speech Wednesday will be a high point in a checkered relationship between two men who sparred, sometimes sharply, in the 2008 primaries, when the ex-president was supporting wife Hillary's campaign for the nomination.

Democrats hope that as the last president to preside over sustained economic growth, Clinton can help propel this president to re-election in less rosy times. His wife - seen as a potential presidential candidate again for 2016 - will be worlds away from the debate, in distance and substance. Obama's secretary of state, she will be midway through an 11-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region and should be in East Timor by the time her husband speaks.

Obama's Republican rival, Mitt Romney, said flatly the president just wasn't up to the job.

"Anyone who wants him to try again will be making a big mistake," Romney said in an interview that aired on Fox News Channel. The GOP nominee, staying in Vermont, has been spending the Democratic convention week preparing for fall debates with Obama.

He framed the economic debate against Obama in an email to supporters, writing that "no president in modern history has ever asked to be re-elected with this many Americans out of work. Twenty-three million Americans are struggling for work, and more families wake up in poverty than ever before."

GOP running mate Paul Ryan, campaigning in Iowa, kept up his running criticism of the Democrats. He predicted Clinton and the Democrats would offer "a great rendition of how good things were in the 1990s. But we're not going to hear much about how things have been in the last four years."

Ryan cast the country's economic struggles in grim terms, noting the national debt reached $16 trillion on Tuesday. "That's a country in decline," he said.

To bolster Romney and Ryan, conservative groups announced nearly $13 million in new ad spending to counter Obama's convention.

American Crossroads planned to spend $6.6 million over the next 10 days on an ad that criticizes the economy under Obama's watch and Americans for Prosperity is spending another $6.2 million on ads criticizing the Democrats' health-care overhaul.

Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago mayor who served under both Clinton and Obama, made the rounds of morning talk shows Wednesday to trace a connection between the two presidents, speaking of "similar values, similar policies and similar objectives."

Clinton "can do nothing but help" Obama, Emanuel said, rejecting any notion that Clinton's ability to get things done and work with Republicans would somehow diminish perceptions of Obama.

But former Republican New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu, writing in the New Hampshire Union Leader, said Clinton's speech "will serve to remind the world of a time when the leadership of the Democratic Party took fiscal responsibility seriously. It might even induce nostalgia for the days of balanced budgets and bipartisan accomplishments such as welfare reform."

The GOP released a new Web video showcasing the story of a man who lost his job and got back on his feet through the welfare-to-work requirements enacted under Clinton. Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus repeated the widely debunked claim that Obama was gutting the work requirements, "holding back the prosperity of so many who are scraping to get by."

Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, making the case for Obama's economic policies in an appearance on MSNBC, said the president has a strong argument to make that people are doing better, but she acknowledged that "Americans are sitting around the breakfast table trying to figure out to make ends meet, so we have work to do."

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, spoke at a breakfast with Iowa delegates and urged party activists to get fully behind Obama in the next two months.

"We have 60 days to turn to our neighbors, to find common ground, to appeal to their good intentions and to create a country of more by re-electing Barack Obama president of the United States," he said.

The Obama campaign insisted the decision to relocate his speech had nothing to do with worries about filling the stadium.

"Our concern was more about turning people away than about filling the stadium," Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters aboard Air Force One as Obama made his way to Charlotte.

Not only were there 65,000 people with tickets to Obama's speech, Psaki said, but another 19,000 were on a waiting list.

On the day after her big speech to the convention that sketched her husband in warm and personal terms, Michelle Obama told supporters at a luncheon promoting gay rights that it was time to get to work.

"We need you out there every single day between now and Nov. 6," she said. "You see my face? I'm serious? It's my serious first lady face. "My `mom' face.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/05/bill-clinton-dnc-address-_n_1858925.html