CITIZEN PATRIOT | MARCIA BUTTERFIELDCher Marsh and Linda Keene, both of Jackson, study their ballots before voting in a straw poll on Thursday at Party Politics.

Last night at Party Politics I worked my way through the crowd, striking up conversations with politicians and business owners, while trying my best to overhear everyone else.

It was a great event. There are no speeches by the candidates, just a chance to walk up to them and ask them whatever you want. Unfortunately, if you had a question for a Democrat, it probably didn't get answered.

The Democrats as a whole made a poor showing in both the straw poll and in spirit. Apparently they had better things to do than talk with voters and answer their questions. Some didn't bother to show, while others came late and left early.

The most notable absence was that of State Sen. Mark Schauer. He was at least two hours late, and left shortly after he arrived.

He did however, have one of his supporters there, Travis, who was in U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg's face filming his every move and conversation as he walked through the crowds, talking with voters. I guess he was trying to catch Walberg in a "Macaca moment."

Walberg said he has gotten to know Travis and his video camera during the course of the campaign, has even fed him at events and hopes when the campaign is over, Travis leaves thinking that Walberg and his family are nice people.

I heard from several people who were disgusted by Schauer's guy filming Walberg, and that may have had something to do with Walberg trouncing Schauer in the straw poll, 116-37.

As the evening progressed, I watched Walberg talk with a high school student from Columbia Central who asked him about his views on Social Security. Judging by the kid's expression as he turned and walked away, I think Walberg may have spent a bit too much time explaining the Social Security system in Chile and how it compares to our system and privatization, as well as his bill to put a lock-box on it, but at least the kid knows where Walberg stands.

I also had a chance to debate Social Security reform and Schauer's tax votes with Congressman Walberg.

The other Congressional candidates were there as well, Libertarian Ken Proctor and write-in candidate Sharon Renier, who was showing off some lovely orange boots.

While on the subject of wardrobe choices, Leoni Township Supervisor candidate Todd Brittain was there sporting a one-size-too-large stocking cap, an American flag jacket and a name tag that read, "Ted Nugent."

I also talked with Scotty Boman, Libertarian candidate for Senate, and I was able to ask him about the Michigan Third Parties Coalition which I learned he helped form. I also was able to get his view on Instant Run-Off Voting.

That sort of thing is what Party Politics is all about.

I chatted with Jackson District Library Director Ishwar Laxminarayan, who is hoping that last night's vote on the library millage, which passed with 63 percent of the vote, will be indicative of Tuesday's results.

Mike Simpson showed up late, and Martin Griffin never showed, I am told, but Ray Snell and Leland Prebble were mixing it up with voters and the two Republicans both won handily.

Snell beat Simpson with 66 percent of the vote and Prebble beat Griffin, also with 66 percent of the vote.

I also learned a blond joke from Mr. Prebble, so that was nice.

Captain Jackson was also in attendance, who came up to me to tell me he reads my blog, and also listens to my radio show on Thursday morning's on WKHM.

I was also happy to see my former 7th grade basketball coach there, who is running for a seat on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. I hadn't seen him in years, but I still remember that year of glory from my past. For the record, we finished the season undefeated and were league champs.

I still have gold medal to prove it.