Republicans Struggle With Zatkoff
Head of College Republicans alienates many in crucial election year
Michael O'Brien
Issue date: 4/1/08 Section: Features
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After transferring from Oakland University to the University of Michigan in early 2007, an ambitious Zatkoff embarked on a path to power that has been marked by strong-arm tactics, rancorous presidential politics, and, critics say, potential violations of Michigan campaign finance law.
Since his early 2007 election as MFCR chairman, internal MFCR disputes have resulted in the withdrawal of several major chapters of College Republicans (CR), including-temporarily-the University of Michigan's own College Republicans (the oldest such chapter in the country), and most recently, Michigan State University's College Republicans, the largest CR chapter in the state.
Hail to the Victor?
Zatkoff arrived as a student in Ann Arbor on the heels of a national controversy, in which he claimed injuries sustained in a September 2006 assault were the result of attacks by "liberal thugs" from the pro-affirmative action group BAMN. Ann Arbor Police later said the injuries were a result of a fight with Zatkoff's friends.
A longtime conservative activist, Zatkoff had made himself known for almost single-handedly turning Oakland University's College Republicans into a powerhouse in the state. Nonetheless, he transferred to U-M, where he would stage his bid for MFCRs chair.
During his time at U-M, Zatkoff spent virtually no time involved with University of Michigan College Republicans (UMCR). According to several sources with knowledge of the matter, Zatkoff attended only one meeting the semester he ran for state chairman. Nonetheless, when then-UMCR Chair Robert Scott emailed UMCR members, asking who would like to travel as delegates to the convention electing the next MFCR chairman, Zatkoff exploited an opening in the UMCR constitution to his advantage.
The University of Michigan's College Republicans are typically granted 70-75 delegates to such conventions-an allotment which is rarely filled-said Chris Irvine, the 2007 Chair of UMCRs.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 18
CR
posted 3/31/08 @ 11:01 PM EST
Wow. It's time for the feds to investigate him.
Joe Sylvester
posted 3/31/08 @ 11:10 PM EST
Great article! For anyone who is interested in learning more about Zatkoff, feel free to visit my blog and utilize the search feature.
http://bconservatives. (Continued…)
J.W.Straz
posted 4/01/08 @ 1:21 AM EST
Wow. I'm embarrassed on so many levels: as a Michigan resident, a University of Michigan student, and more fundamentally, an American.
I knew that politics in this country was riddled with special interest and questionable ethics, but to hear that my own peer is partaking in such activity, I'm ashamed. (Continued…)
Alan Smithee
posted 4/01/08 @ 1:33 AM EST
Justin Zatkoff has long been a plauge on the Republican house, and it is about time someone actually did something about it.
I hope this article is read by people all over the state and the country. (Continued…)
Danielle
posted 4/01/08 @ 3:38 AM EST
Justin Zatkoff has paid his way through his entire "regime." This article brought many more things to my attention, but I would like to add an account of my own. (Continued…)
Confused
posted 4/01/08 @ 4:40 AM EST
Why doesn't the UMCR simply kick Zatkoff out of their organization? That would put his legitimacy as head of the MFCR in serious jeopardy. And if so many state chapters are fed up with Zatkoff hijacking the MFCR, why don't they abandon it and reorganize?
Ryan
posted 4/01/08 @ 7:47 AM EST
Seeing I was an officer from Hillsdale ran out of the MFCRs for standing up to Zatkoff and the chairman before him, Dan Carlson, I enjoy the fact that someone has finally written about this clown. (Continued…)
Explained
posted 4/01/08 @ 11:15 AM EST
The UMCR can't "kick" anyone out of the organization. College Republicans is an accepting group, and as such, has no power to stop anyone from being a part. (Continued…)
Philemon
posted 4/01/08 @ 5:54 PM EST
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the future of the GOP. Dirty dealings, election fraud, influence peddling and general scumbaggery. If you're a GOP voter in Michigan, I'd suggest you get in touch with your state party organization and urge them to disavow any connection with this execrable slimeball. (Continued…)
Laura S.
posted 4/01/08 @ 6:20 PM EST
I am a new member of the Michigan College Republicans and I must say that I am extremely embarrassed to have a person like Zatkoff (who both lacks moral standards and common sense) representing us. (Continued…)
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