Mackinac Island long ago became Party Place Central for
those associated with the Lansing political scene.

The Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual gathering on the
island is a 2-day bash disguised as a conference to discuss public policy
issues. Those yearly shindigs generated the paraphrase “What happens on the
island, stays on the island.”

The Michigan Republican Party also holds a biennial
conference on Mackinac and this year’s event has the appearance of a very big
deal. Five GOP presidential candidates will be speaking over two days on the
heels of tonight’s second presidential debate.

One would think this would be a moment of sober reflection
by GOP activists as they size up five candidates: Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Carly
Fiorina, Rand Paul and John Kasich.

Nope. Once again, it’s party time on Mackinac. No time
for serious speechifying on this weekend’s schedule.

Here’s an unofficial listing of all the parties and open-bar
receptions.

And remember, drunk bicycling is a crime on the island.

FRIDAY:

1:00pm – 3:30pm 
 Welcome Aboard BBQ Reception – Michigan Secretary of
State Ruth Johnson

Location: The Island House

Invite: Open to all

3:00pm – 4:00pm 
 Pink Elephants taking over the Island

Location: Pink Pony Bar and Grill

Invite: Open to all

4:00pm – 6:00pm 
 Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee Leadership

Location: Mary’s Bistro

State Committee Members and County Chairs

4:00pm – 7:00pm 
 Attorney General Bill Schuette’s Shish Ka Bash IV
Salute to Law Enforcement

Location: Cawthornes Village Inn

Invite: Open to all

8:00pm – 9:00pm 
 Michigan Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof

Location: Yankee Rebel Tavern


Invite: Open to all

9:00pm – 11:00pm 
 Michigan Senate Republicans

Location: Pink Pony Bar and Grill

Invite: Open to all

10:00pm – 12:00am 
 Gov. Rick Snyder and Lt. Gov.
Brian Calley Reception

Location: Gate House

Invite: Open to all

SATURDAY:

8:00am – 10:00am 6th
Congressional District Republican DistrictBreakfast – state Rep. Aric Nesbitt and state Sens. Margaret O’Brien
and Tonya Schuitmaker

Location: Webster Room at the Island House

Invite: Open to 6th District

10:00am – 11:30am 
 Fundraising Brunch for state Sen. Wayne Schmidt

Location: Mary’s Bistro

Invite: Open to all



12:00pm – 3:00pm 
 Ladies who Lead – state Reps. Laura Cox and Daniela Garcia

Location: Mary’s Bistro

Invite: Open to all

1:30 pm – 3:00pm 
 Fundraising for state Rep. Lee Chatfield

Location: Anne Cottage

Invite: Open to all

1:30pm – 4:30pm 
 Mackinac Island tailgate – GCSI lobbying firm and clients

Location: Mustang Lounge

Invite: Open to all

2:00pm – 4:00pm 
 In Honor of retiring U.S. Rep. Candice Miller –
Clark Hill and Grand River Strategies

Location: Horns Bar

Invite: Open to all

3:00pm – 5:00pm 
 GOP presidential candidate John Kasich Event

Location: Cawthorne’s Village Inn

Invite: Open to all

3:30pm – 5:00pm – Ice Cream with U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga and Special
Guest U.S. Rep. Zinke (former Seal Team Six Commander)

Location: Lake View Hotel

Invite: Open to all

4:00pm – 5:30pm 
 Fund for American Opportunity

Location: Mary’s Bistro

Invite: Open to all

4:00pm – 5:30pm 
 The Christian Coalition of Michigan

Location: unknown

Invite: Open to all – May have to pre-register

4:30pm – 5:30pm 
 Citizens for Traditional Values Event

Location: Jockey Club

Invite:  Registered Attendees only

5:00pm – ??? 
 GOP presidential candidate
Rand Paul

Location: Gatehouse

Invite: Open to all

 

 





 

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