We're Through the Primary

On Friday we learned that our only primary opponent, former State Representative Jerry VanderRoest, had chosen to withdraw from the race. We first heard this news from a phone call while going Door to Door in Newton Township on Friday at about 4:30pm.

That means we will remain as the only campaign for the Republican nomination on August 5th. So, we're through the Primary and will advance to the November General election.

Of course, everyone in our campaign is very happy, and my family is very excited.

Nick was gone to his Order of the Arrow Ordeal for the Boy Scouts this weekend. So, on Saturday, Molly, Megan and I joined our Campaign Manager Steve for Door to Door in Ross Township. We couldn't think of any better way to celebrate than to visit more voters in the district.

We had planned for and believed we were going to run in a hotly contested primary. This week, however, produced a clearing of the field.

My relief is that the money we've raised and the hours we've spent have paid off already. More importantly, however, this money and effort combined with our continued fundraising and Door to Door can be focused on winning the General Election instead of beating a fellow Republican.

We're now looking forward to continuing our effort to meet with and listen to voters. We expect a strong General Election campaign, and believe we have the Right Experience and the Right Priorities to serve the voters well.

5,000 Voters & One Great Family

Molly, Nick, and Megan joined me again going Door to Door this Saturday. It was a great day to be outdoors and I am continually reminded how blessed I am to have such a great family.

We continue to get great response and support from the voters throughout this district. Many nice families welcomed our family warmly.

Our campaign has now hit the doors of almost 5,000 voters. We look forward to visiting you, and hearing what's on your mind and facing your family.

Until then, if you ever need to reach me please visit our contact page to send me an email at Jase@ElectBolger.com.

Tim Walberg, Joe Schwarz and Scott Durham Endorse Bolger

May 8, 2008

Marshall, MI— Kalamazoo small business owner and Calhoun County Commissioner Jase Bolger’s Campaign for State Representative announced today the endorsements of Congressman Tim Walberg, former Congressman Joe Schwarz and Calhoun County Republican Party Chairman Scott Durham.

Congressman Tim Walberg commented, “Jase Bolger’s experience as a small business owner and devoted family man are sorely needed in Lansing. I’ve watched him stand up for taxpayers and demonstrate strong principles as a county commissioner. He’s earned my admiration. Jase displays a nice combination of common sense and principled leadership. Jase Bolger has earned my endorsement. He is doing the hard work necessary to earn the respect and support of voters in this district.”

Former Congressman Joe Schwarz said, “I’ve known Jase for many years now. He is an intelligent, articulate, honest man. We need those qualities in our legislators. He is the kind of elected official who knows where he stands, and demonstrates real leadership. The job in the state legislature is a tough one. I endorse Jase Bolger because I know he’s up to that challenge.”

Calhoun County Republican Party Chairman Scott Durham observed, “Although we Republicans may disagree on some things, we clearly agree that Jase Bolger is a strong leader not only for our party but for our communities. Jase has demonstrated integrity and the ability to bring people together. I know Jase to be a principled conservative who has clearly been doing the hard work it takes to earn broad based support and win this race. Not only has he earned solid Republican support, I know he will continue to earn the support of Independents and ticket splitting households like he has in his County Commission races. I am proud to join Congressman Walberg and former Congressman Schwarz in wholeheartedly endorsing Jase Bolger for State Representative.”

Jase Bolger commented, “I am honored to have earned the support of each of these respected leaders who have worked hard for our party and our community. So far our campaign has knocked on the doors of over 4,500 voters and I’ve been thrilled by the support they’re offering. As I talk with families in communities across this district I continue to discuss the importance of creating and retaining jobs. In a weak Michigan economy, voters are definitely concerned and continue to support our message that jobs must be priority number one. I am encouraged that families have welcomed me into their homes and lives and say that as a small business owner I have the right experience to bring the right priorities to Lansing. They deserve the hard work I promise to give them."

For more information, please visit www.ElectBolger.com

Former WMU President Diether H. Haenicke Endorses Bolger

May 7, 2008
(269) 998 - 0230

Marshall, MI— Former Western Michigan University President Dr. Diether H. Haenicke joined many other Kalamazoo area leaders today in his endorsement of Kalamazoo business owner and Calhoun County Commissioner Jase Bolger’s Campaign for State Representative. Bolger had previously been endorsed by every township supervisor in the Kalamazoo County portion of the 63^rd State House District.

“I am proud to announce my support for WMU alumnus Jase Bolger to be our next State Representative in Michigan’s 63^rd District,” said Haenicke. “Jase’s experience as someone who took great risk to start and make successful a small business is impressive. As a small business owner and area volunteer he understands what it takes to compete for jobs and help our community. Jase understands the importance of family and education as he and Molly raise two middle school aged children of their own. Jase Bolger is the right choice to work hard for the best of the 63^rd District.”

Bolger offered his thanks to Haenicke saying “It is hard to believe it has already been almost 20 years since I first met Dr. Haenicke at WMU. At that time he showed support for a community service event we students put on at the Bernhard Student Center called the Senior Citizens’ Prom. I understand that event continues today to serve senior citizens in the Kalamazoo area. It’s a special honor that he supported that effort, signed my college diploma, and is supporting me now in this race. Dr. Haenicke has served the greater Kalamazoo area for more than 23 years with honor, distinction, and proven results. He is a well regarded past President of our great university. So well regarded, in fact, that he was coaxed out of retirement to serve WMU on an interim basis last year. I share his enthusiasm for the Broncos and look forward to him sharing his support and knowledge throughout my campaign for State Representative.”

The Former President of Western Michigan University, Dr. Haenicke, was born and raised in Germany in 1935. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Munich. Haenicke served as Western Michigan University’s President from 1985 to 1998 and most recently as interim President for the 2006 – 2007 school year. Haenicke was appointed by Governor Engler as a member of the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and Commissioner on the Education Commission of the States. Haenicke also served as a member of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation from 2006-2007. Diether Haenicke has taught at five Universities and is the author of more than 200 publications.

For more information, please visit www.ElectBolger.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jase Bolger, PO Box 638, Marshall, MI 49068

Bolger Files for State Representative (Again)

May 5, 2008

Marshall, MI—Kalamazoo business owner and Calhoun County Commissioner Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, announced that he had filed again today to run for State Representative in the 63^rd District to replace term limited Representative Lorence Wenke, R-Galesburg.

Bolger explained, “Back in January my family drove to Lansing together and I filed to be a candidate on the August 2008 ballot. Unfortunately, we were later informed there was an issue with my name. My parents named me James P. Bolger after my father James B. Bolger. Literally since birth, however, my parents have called me Jase from the abbreviation for James of Jas.”

“I am proud of being named after my Dad, and I’ve always liked the Jase that my parents also gave me so I asked to file as either Jase or Jas. Unfortunately, the Elections Bureau in Lansing would not allow Jase or Jas as a ‘recognized diminutive’ as provided in state statute. Therefore, I had to file again but this time as James Bolger.”

Bolger concluded, “We’ve knocked on the doors of over 4,500 voters so far. In talking with the families in our neighborhoods I know they’re concerned about jobs and how current leadership in Lansing has worked against their employers: small businesses. I remain committed to working to bring the right priorities to Lansing. I also hope to bring some common sense to state government. In the meantime, we’ll be sure voters know my full name when they go to the polls on August 5^th.”

Jase Bolger is 37, and married to his high school sweetheart, Molly. Together they are raising two wonderful children: Nick (13) and Megan (11) in Marshall. In 1996 Bolger started a small business, Summit Credit Services, in Kalamazoo, which offers telephone support services nationally to Fortune 100 companies. He was first elected Calhoun County Commissioner in 2004 and re-elected in 2006. Mr. Bolger has been an active volunteer in the community. He serves on the Public Policy Committee of the Kalamazoo Area Chamber of Commerce, and has served as the Economic Development/Workforce Development Vice Chair of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce. He has previously served as a Cub Scout leader, soccer and little league coach as well as a Junior Achievement volunteer and mentor for the Kalamazoo Area Academic Achievement Program. Mr. Bolger is a member of the Marshall Rotary and is an active parishioner at St. Mary Church. He has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration Degree from Western Michigan University with majors in finance and political science.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jase Bolger, PO Box 638, Marshall, MI 49068

Blessing of the Bikes & Door to Door

I had the opportunity to address the crowd gathered for the Blessing of the Bikes in Battle Creek yesterday. It was a great event with over 250 motorcyclists gathered for an annual bike blessing and ride.

I presented a proclamation we passed at the Calhoun County Board last week. The crowd showed their appreciation for our recognition of the many contributions of motorcyclists in our community and our recognition of motorcyclist freedom.

I especially appreciated the chance to address the many veterans present. The event organizers went out of their way to thank our current service men and women, and the many veterans in our community. There was definitely unanimous support for them. Thank you, Robi, for inviting me to be there on Saturday; and for putting together a great event.

Before the event and immediately afterward, we continued our door to door efforts. We've now hit the doors of over 4,000 voters. Thank you Russ for the cold bottle of water; the families in our district are very generous.

The voters continue to be very supportive of our campaign and looking for change in Lansing. If we've not knocked on your door yet, we look forward to talking with you soon.