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2017-0130-F
[
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Friday, April 21, 2017
FOIA Marker
This is not a textual record. This FOIA Marker indicates that material has been removed
during FOIA processing by George W. Bush Presidential Library staff.
Presidential Personnel, White House Office of
Bullock, Katja - Candidate Files - Boards and Commissions (Part Time)
Location or
NARA Number:
FRC ID:
OA Number:
Stack: Row: Sect.: Shelf: Pos.:
Hollinger ID:
W
13
27
2
2
12286
25149
12731
12717
Folder Title:
KCB (Kennedy Center, Board of Trustees) Betsy DeVos JFK Board
Withdrawn/Redacted Material
The George W. Bush Library
DOCUMENT FORM
SUBJECT/TITLE
PAGES
DATE
RESTRICTION(S)
NO.
001
Memorandum
Personnel Selection - To: POTUS - From: Dina Powell
1
07/14/2004
Transferred
002
Form
[Personnel Form] - From: Eric L. Motley
1
07/08/2004
P6/b6;
003
Form
[Form] - To: Federal Bureau of Investigation - From:
1
06/24/2004
P6/b6;
The Office of Counsel to the President
COLLECTION TITLE:
Presidential Personnel, White House Office of
SERIES:
Bullock, Katja - Candidate Files - Boards and Commissions (Part Time)
FOLDER TITLE:
KCB (Kennedy Center, Board of Trustees) Betsy DeVos JFK Board
FRC ID:
12286
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
2201(3).
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
Deed of Gift Restrictions
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
A. Closed by Executive Order 13526 governing access to national
Records Not Subject to FOIA
security information.
B. Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
Court Sealed - The document is withheld under a court seal and is not subject to
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
the Freedom of Information Act.
of gift.
2017-0130-F
Page 1 of 1
This document was prepared on Friday, April 21, 2017
President 's Appointments
APPT DATE - 9/24/04
Name
Title
Nominated Confirmed Appoin
DEVOS, Elisabeth D.
Member of the Board of Trustees of
09/24
the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts for a term
expiring 09/01/10
EDER, Michele Longo
Member of the Arctic Research
09/24
Commission (Private Industry
Representative (3)) for a term
expiring 02/26/08
GOSS, Porter J.
Director of Central Intelligence
09/07/04
09/22/04
09/24
GRIZZARD, W. Roy
Member of the Committee for
09/24
Purchase from People Who Are Blind
or Severely Disabled (Dept. of
Labor Rep.)
HOLLIDAY, Stuart W.
Alternate Representative of the
11/20/03
09/20/04
09/24
United States of America to the
Sessions of the General Assembly
of the United Nations
LEAHY, Patrick J.
Representative of the United
09/13/04
09/20/04
09/24
States of America to the Session
of the General Assembly of the
United Nations (Senator)
MOCHARY, Mary
Member of the Board of Trustees of
09/24
the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts for a term
expiring 09/01/08
OURISMAN, Mary M.
Member of the Board of Trustees of
09/24
the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts for a term
expiring 09/01/10
REYNOLDS, Gabrielle.
Member of the Board of Trustees of
09/24
B.
the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts for a term
expiring 09/01/10
ROYER, Thomas C. -
Member of the Arctic Research
09/24
Commission (Academic
Representitive (1)) for a term
expiring 02/26/08
zoo
EXECUTIVE CLERK
09/24/04 FRI 11:08 FAX 456 2569
Page 2
President 's Appointments
APPT DATE - 9/24/04
Name
Title
Nominated Confirmed Appoin
RUBENSTEIN, David
Member of the Board of Trustees of
09/24
the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts for a term
expiring 09/01/08
SCHWARZMAN, Stephen
Member of the Board of Trustees of
09/24
the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts for a term
expiring 09/01/10
SPANOS, Alex
Member of the Board of Trustees of
09/24
the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts for a term
expiring 09/01/10
SUNUNU, John E.
Representative of the United
09/13/04 09/20/04 09/24
States of America to the Session
of the General Assembly of the
United Nations
TREADWELL, Alexander
Member of the Board of Trustees of
09/24
the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts for a term
expiring 09/01/10
003
EXECUTIVE CLERK
09/24/04 FRI 11:08 FAX 456 2569
K
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 8, 2004
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH THE EXECUTIVE CLERK
FROM:
mp
DINA POWELL
SUBJECT:
PA Appointments
Attached for your signature are the appointments of the following individuals to be
Members of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing
Arts:
Elisabeth D. DeVos of Michigan, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Kenneth M.
Duberstein.
Mary Mochary of Virginia, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Jon Stevens
Corzine.
Mary M. Ourisman of the District of Columbia, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10,
vice Donna Cochran McLarty.
Gabrielle B. Reynolds, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Anita Boffa Cafritz.
David Rubenstein of the District of Columbia, for the remainder of a six year term
expiring 09/01/08, vice James D. Wolfensohn.
Stephen Schwarzman of New York, for the remainder of a six year term expiring
09/01/08, vice James A. Johnson.
Alex Spanos of California, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Robert Bruce
Barnett.
Sandy Treadwell of New York, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Anita Ray
Arnold.
You approved these appointments on July 15, 2004.
All necessary clearances have been completed.
KCB
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 8, 2004
MEMORANDUM FOR SCOTT McCLELLAN
FROM:
DP
DINA POWELL
SUBJECT:
PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENT
The following personnel announcement is ready for release. Please announce the
President's intention to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the Board of
Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts:
Elisabeth D. DeVos of Michigan, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice
Kenneth M. Duberstein.
Mary Mochary of Virginia, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Jon
Stevens Corzine.
Mary M. Ourisman of the District of Columbia, for a six year term expiring
09/01/10, vice Donna Cochran McLarty.
Gabrielle B. Reynolds, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Anita Boffa
Cafritz.
David Rubenstein of the District of Columbia, for the remainder of a six year
term expiring 09/01/08, vice James D. Wolfensohn.
Stephen Schwarzman of New York, for the remainder of a six year term
expiring 09/01/08, vice James A. Johnson.
Alex Spanos of California, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Robert
Bruce Barnett.
Sandy Treadwell of New York, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice
Anita Ray Arnold.
cc:
Andrew H. Card, Jr.
Alberto R. Gonzales
David Hobbs
Brett Kavanaugh
Tim Saunders
Matt Schlapp
Eric Motley
Sechrist, Michael
From:
White House Press Releases
Sent:
Tuesday, September 07, 2004 6:39 PM
Subject:
PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Columbia, Missouri)
For Immediate Release
September 7, 2004
President George W. Bush today announced his intention to designate three individuals and appoint nineteen
individuals to serve in his administration:
The President intends to designate Tim S. McClain, of California, to be Acting Assistant Secretary of Veterans
Affairs (Human Resources and Administration).
The President intends to designate Cortright Wetherill, Jr., of Pennsylvania, to be a Chairman of the Advisory
Committee on the Arts, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The President intends to appoint W. Roy Grizzard, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Committee For Purchase
From People Who Are Blind Or Severely Disabled (Department of Labor Representative).
The President intends to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the Arctic Research Commission
for the remainder of a four-year term expiring February 26, 2008:
Michele Longo Eder of Oregon (Business Representative)
Thomas C. Royer of Virginia (Academic Representative)
The President intends to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the President's National Security
Telecommunications Advisory Committee:
Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr. of New York
Gregory Q. Brown of Illinois
Ken Dahlberg of California
William J. Hannigan of New Jersey
Stan Sigman of Texas
Joseph R. Wright of New York
The President intends to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the Board of Trustees of the John
F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts:
Elisabeth D. DeVos, of Michigan, for a six-year term expiring September 1, 2010
1
Mary Mochary, of Virginia, for a six-year term expiring September 1, 2010
Mary M. Ourisman, of the District of Columbia, for a six-year term expiring September 1, 2010
Gabrielle B. Reynolds, of Ohio, for a six-year term expiring September 1, 2010
David Rubenstein, of Maryland, for the remainder of a six-year term expiring September 1, 2008
Stephen Schwarzman, of New York, for the remainder of a six-year term expiring September 1, 2008
Alex Spanos, of California, for a six-year term expiring September 1, 2010
Sandy Treadwell, of New York, for a six-year term expiring September 1, 2010
The President intends to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the Ticket to Work and Work
Incentives Advisory Panel:
Cheryl Bates-Harris, of Pennsylvania, for the remainder of a four-year term expiring July 27, 2008
Dorothy L. Watson, of Maryland, for the remainder of a four-year term expiring July 27, 2008
The President intends to designate Berthy De La Rosa-Aponte, of Florida, to be Chairperson of the Ticket to
Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel.
###
Levinson
2
KCB C
THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington
August 30, 2004
MEMORANDUM FOR KATJA BULLOCK
FROM:
ANN L. LOUGHLIN
Clearance Counsel
Office of Counsel to the President
SUBJECT: Candidates cleared for Appointment
The Office of Counsel to the President has cleared for appointment the following candidates to
be Members, Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Elisabeth DeVos
Gabrielle B. Reynolds
Mary M. Ourisman
Mary Mochary
Stephen Schwarzman
Alex Spanos
David Rubenstein
Sandy Treadwell
cc: Dina Powell
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 14, 2004
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
DINA POWELL
SUBJECT:
Personnel Selection
Andy Card and I recommend you approve for possible appointment the following individuals to
be Members of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts:
Elisabeth D. DeVos of Michigan, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Kenneth M.
Duberstein.
Mary Mochary of Virginia, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Jon Stevens Corzine.
Mary M. Ourisman of the District of Columbia, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice
Donna Cochran McLarty.
Gabrielle B. Reynolds, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Anita Boffa Cafritz.
David Rubenstein of the District of Columbia, for the remainder of a six year term expiring
09/01/08, vice James D. Wolfensohn.
Stephen Schwarzman of New York, for the remainder of a six year term expiring 09/01/08, vice
James A. Johnson.
Alex Spanos of California, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Robert Bruce Barnett.
Sandy Treadwell of New York, for a six year term expiring 09/01/10, vice Anita Ray Arnold.
Upon your approval, appropriate clearances for each individual will be initiated. An
announcement of intention to appoint will be made upon completion of all necessary clearances.
APPROVE:
DISAPPROVE:
Preservation Copy 8 George W. Bush Handwriting
DATE:
07/08/04
PREPARED BY: Eric L. Motley
NAME:
Elisabeth Dee De Vos
NAME & STATE:
Elisabeth D. DeVos of Michigan
POSITION:
Member, Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
TYPE: (bold one)
PAS
PA
SES
FT
PT
TERM:
Six year term expiring
09/01/10
VICE:
Kenneth M.
GENDER:
F
DOB:
Duberstein
(b)(6)
BIRTHPLACE:
Holland, MI
PARTY:
R
SSN:
ETHNIC HERITAGE:
Dutch
RACE:
White
CHILDREN:
Richard M., III,
SPOUSE:
Richard M. DeVos, Jr.
Elisabeth LeAnne,
Andrea Nicole, Ryan
Edgar
VOTING CITY, STATE: Ada Township, MI
HOME STATE:
Michigan
(in 2000)
CURRENT HOME
ADDRESS:
(b)(6)
HOME PHONE:
CURRENT POSITION
Chairman of the Republican Party of Michigan
AND WORK ADDRESS: 2121 East Grand River Drive
Lansing, MI 48912
Chairman of the Windquest Group, Inc.
126 Ottowa Avenue, NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WORK PHONE:
(517) 487-5413, (616) 459-4500
EDUCATION:
BS, Calvin College, 1979
AWARDS:
None
PREVIOUS POSITION
Committeewoman, Republican National Committee
HELD:
MILITARY SERVICE:
None
PREVIOUS
None
PRESIDENTIAL
APPOINTMENTS:
President Approved:
Security Package Sent:
Counsel Clearance Sent:
Active in Republican politics since serving as a "scatterblitzer" for President Gerald
R. Ford in 1976, Betsy DeVos was elected to a two-year term as Chairman of the
Michigan Republican State Committee (MRSC) at the MRSC convention on January
25, 2003. She previously served as Chairman of the Michigan Republican State
Committee, from May 1996 to February 2000.
In 2001, she founded the Great Lakes Education Project, a political action
committee (GLEP), and served as its Chairman prior to her election of the MRSC
post. Betsy served as the National Finance Chairman for the National Republican
Senatorial Committee in 2000. She also participated in the 2000 Republican
National Convention in Philadelphia as a Delegate from Michigan's Third District and
had previously been a delegate to the 1988, 1992 and 1996 conventions. She was
Republican National Committeewoman for Michigan 1992-1997, has served in many
other party offices, and has worked on numerous other national, state and local
campaigns.
In the private sector, Betsy DeVos is Chairman of The Windquest Group, a privately
held company founded in 1989.
Betsy is also very active in the community and currently serves on a number of
national and local boards including the American Education Reform Council,
Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Kids Hope USA, The Acton Institute, Compass
Arts, Children First America and the Education Freedom Fund, a Michigan
foundation that provides scholarships for low-income children to attend schools of
their choice.
A graduate of Holland Christian High School, Betsy received a Bachelor of Science
degree in Business Administration/Political Science from Calvin College in Grand
Rapids, Michigan:
Betsy and her husband Dick have four children, aged 20 to 11. They enjoy travel,
boating and skiing together as a family.
Political Leadership and Activities (partial list)
National Finance Chairman, National Republican Senatorial Committee, 2000
Chairman, Michigan Republican State Committee, 1996-2000
Republican National Committeewoman-Michigan, 1992-1997
Chairman, Spence Abraham for U.S. Senate Committee, 1994
Delegate, Republican National Convention, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000
Precinct Delegate, 1986-Present
Current Community Activities (partial list)
Member, Board of Directors, Education Freedom Fund, 1995-Present
Co-chairman, "Heartbeat" fundraiser for the American Heart Association, 1995-
Present
Member, Board of Trustees, American Council of Young Political Leaders, 1995-
Present
Member, Board of Directors, Children First/CEO America, 2000-Present
Chairman, Choices for Children, 2001
Withdrawal Marker
The George W. Bush Library
FORM
SUBJECT/TITLE
PAGES
DATE
RESTRICTION(S)
Form
[Form] - To: Federal Bureau of Investigation - From: The Office of
1
06/24/2004
P6/b6;
Counsel to the President
This marker identifies the original location of the withdrawn item listed above.
For a complete list of items withdrawn from this folder, see the
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet at the front of the folder.
COLLECTION:
Presidential Personnel, White House Office of
SERIES:
Bullock, Katja - Candidate Files - Boards and Commissions (Part Time)
FOLDER TITLE:
KCB (Kennedy Center, Board of Trustees) Betsy DeVos JFK Board
FRC ID:
FOIA ID and Segment:
12286
2017-0130-F
OA Num.:
12717
NARA Num.:
12731
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(I) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
2201(3).
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
Deed of Gift Restrictions
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
A. Closed by Executive Order 13526 governing access to national
Records Not Subject to FOIA
security information.
B. Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
Court Sealed - The document is withheld under a court seal and is not subject to
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
the Freedom of Information Act.
of gift.
This Document was withdrawn on 4/21/2017
by STQ
Name, Last
First
Middle
Title
Occupation
DEVOS
ELISABETH
Dee
Republican Official
"BETSY"
Position Sought
Position
Firm I Agency
JFK Board
Chairman
Republican Party of Michigan
Present
Notables
-
"President Bush Has Acted To Help Lessen America's Dependence On Oil
And Increase Our Ability To Use Alternative Energy Sources," Devos Said In
A Statement. "At every turn, John Kerry has stood in the way of efforts to enact a
comprehensive energy policy that would ensure a more reliable energy supply and
lower gas prices." (The Associated Press, 2004).
- Betsy Devos, Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman, Said Some Of The
Democrats' Rhetoric Against President Bush On Sunday Was "Bordering On
Hate Speech." DeVos referred particularly to Sen. John Kerry's remark that
Attorney General John Ashcroft considers himself to be "God Almighty." "The
tone of a number of their comments was going beyond the political," she said.
DeVos watched the debate with about 50 college and teenage Republicans in a
restaurant across the street from the Fox Theatre. DeVos said all nine Democrats
have promised to fully or partially roll back President Bush's tax cuts, which
should worry voters in Michigan. "The only way new jobs get created is to
encourage businesses to invest, take risks and expand," she said. Increasing taxes
"makes it less and less likely that anyone's going to expand and start up new
enterprise." (The Detroit Free Press, 2003).
-
In 2003, The Detroit Free Press Reported: If Michigan legislators feel obliged to
prove they are so "pro-marriage," they should encourage more people to join the
institution rather than ostracize some who want to. But some lawmakers, mostly
conservative Republicans, insist on pushing for an amendment to the state
Constitution to ban gay marriage. Several resolutions also urge Congress to
change the federal Constitution to say marriage can only occur between one man
and one woman. It's wrong, and even state GOP Chair Betsy DeVos and President
George W. Bush say it may be unnecessary. Michigan, like other states and the
federal government, already has a Defense of Marriage Act banning same-sex
marriage.
- In 2003, The Associated Press Reported On DeVos' Criticism Of Senator John
Kerry (D-MA). Michigan Republican Chairwoman Betsy DeVos also criticized
Last printed 6/25/2004 11:44 AM
1
Kerry. "It seems disingenuous to me to claim to want to increase manufacturing
jobs, but at the same time advocate for extreme increases" in fuel efficiency
standards, DeVos said in a statement. According to The Associated Press (2004):
"Whatever the issue, be it economic policy, national security or social policy,"
said GOP Chairman Betsy DeVos, "Senator John Kerry is out of sync with most
voters in Michigan."
-
DeVos Commented On Governor Jennifer Granholm (D-MI). In a Saturday
night speech, DeVos blamed Granholm for a litany of failures, from loss of state
jobs to rising college tuitions to excessive public relations. Granholm, she said,
has nothing to show after nine months in office. "This is not a show," DeVos
said. "This is not a Broadway play. This is real life, and actions, or lack thereof,
have real consequences for real people. The honeymoon is long over." (Detroit
Free Press, 2003). Granholm deftly cited the Bible on the importance of
protecting the vulnerable among us: "Whatsoever you do to the least of these, so
also you do unto me." But Republican State Chair Betsy DeVos Granholm went
too far in applying religious terms to criticize opponents. (The Detroit News,
2004).
- In 2003, The Detroit Free Press Reported That DeVos Opposed A
Controversial Ballot Plan To Ban Racial Preferences In State College
Admissions. State Republican Chairman Betsy DeVos announced earlier this
month that she opposed the proposal, calling it ill-advised and unnecessary.
-
In 2003, USA Today Reported: "The impact of the downturn has been felt more
acutely in Michigan, with our high reliance on manufacturing jobs," says GOP
Chairman Elisabeth DeVos of Michigan, another swing state.
-
In 2000, The Detroit Free Press Reported That DeVos Had Endorsed
Governor George W. Bush For President. Bush's father, former President
George Bush, broke the news at the Macomb County Republican Party's Lincoln
Dinner 2000. DeVos, who introduced Bush to the audience at the Penna Banquet
Center in Sterling Heights, didn't say anything about the endorsement until a short
news conference following his speech. DeVos said it was important to get behind
a candidate with a record that indicates he'll do the best job. "He has a record
second to none," she said while standing next to the former president.
-
In 2000, The White House Bulletin Said That After Resigning As Chairman
Of The MI State Republican Party, DeVos Might Endorse Senator John
McCain's (R-AZ) Presidential Campaign. There is speculation that DeVos may
endorse McCain.
-
In 2000, The Associated Press Reported: In 1998, DeVos called on Democrats to
Last printed 6/25/2004 11:44 AM
2
disavow the gubernatorial candidacy of controversial attorney Geoffrey Fieger.
She said the Democratic candidate's comments had "gone well beyond the pale of
acceptable political discourse." DeVos has helped the Michigan GOP raise the
money and organization it needed to capture control of the state House in 1998.
Republicans now hold three of the states four top jobs - governor, lieutenant
governor and secretary of state - as well as majorities in both legislative chambers
and on the Michigan Supreme Court. She headed Spencer Abraham's successful
1994 U.S. Senate campaign, helping Michigan Republicans claim a U.S. Senate
seat for the first time in years. She has been a member of the Republican National
Committee since 1992 and has been frequently mentioned as a possible RNC
chairman, although she has declined SO far to run for the post. DeVos and her
husband are fixtures in business and civic circles in Grand Rapids and western
Michigan. Besides the couple's ties to Amway, she runs The Windquest Group, a
maker of custom storage cabinets and closets. The couple has two sons and two
daughters. DeVos first got involved in a presidential campaign while a student at
Calvin College, when Grand Rapids favorite Gerald Ford ran in 1976. In 1992, she
served on the Bush-Quayle State Steering Committee.
-
In 2000, The Associated Press Reported That DeVos Was Resigning As
Chairman Of The Republican Party Of Michigan Over Differences With
Governor Engler. Michigan Republican Chairwoman Betsy DeVos resigned
from her post today over differences with Gov. John Engler. DeVos and Engler
have knocked heads in the past six months, primarily over school vouchers. The
chairwoman's husband, Amway Corp. President Dick DeVos, is heading the effort
to put a voucher proposal on the November ballot. Betsy DeVos supports
vouchers, while Engler opposes them. The two also disagreed over whether
Engler should have been consulted before the party announced it would sponsor a
Republican presidential debate last month at Calvin College. Engler is running
Texas Gov. George W. Bush's Michigan campaign. According to The Detroit
News (2000): Party insiders say DeVos was also irked by Engler's attempts to
micromanage party operations, even attempting to have a say in the awarding of
vendor contracts.
-
In 2000, U.S. News & World Report Said That DeVos And Her Husband Were
Backers Of A Measure For School Vouchers. In Michigan, where vouchers
would be available only to children in failing schools, Richard DeVos Jr.,
president of the Amway Corp., and his wife, Elisabeth DeVos, the former head of
the state Republican Party, are the chief backers of the measure.
- In 2000, CNN Morning News Mentioned DeVos' Comments On The Michigan
Republican Primary Battle Between Governor George W. Bush And Senator
John McCain (R-AZ). FLOCK: Now, Michigan, once called a firewall state for
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Bush, is seen vulnerable to Arizona Senator John McCain. BETSY DEVOS,
MICHIGAN GOP CHMN.: It's clear that he is not going to leave Michigan to
anyone else, he's making a very serious effort here, and that's been evidenced in
his television advertising buy that just started up this past week.
-
In 2000, The New York Times Reported That Governor John Engler (R-MI)
Opposed The Voucher Initiative. Already, a ballot proposal that would legalize
the use of state funds for private and parochial schools through a system of
vouchers has complicated the Michigan situation for the national Republican
ticket. Mr. Engler opposes vouchers, which has split Republican ranks wide open;
Elisabeth DeVos, who strongly supports them, resigned as the state party
chairman in order to back the campaign for the ballot initiative, which is known as
Proposal 1. In 1999, The Detroit News Reported: Meanwhile, there's a rare
Engler-DeVos tug-of-war within the Michigan GOP. Engler, for example, tried to
recruit Republican National Committeeman Chuck Yob to oppose the drive. Betsy
DeVos, the Engler-anointed chairwoman of the state GOP and wife of Dick
DeVos, sought Yob's support.
-
In 1999, The Hotline Reported: "There is still bad blood between" Gov. John
Engler and Co. and MI GOP Chair Betsy DeVos Inc. "this time about presidential
politics." On the heels last week of DeVos surprising the pro-George W. Bush
Engler with an announcement of a 1/10 presidential debate, DeVos, on 12/1 issued
a press release touting John McCain's acceptance of the debate offer. Bush has
declined the invitation. In her 12/1 release, the "officially neutral" DeVos wrote
that McCain's acceptance was "great news for Republicans across this state."
Also last week, "word got out that Joel Hondorp, a former staffer at DeVos' state
GOP HQs, would coordinate McCain's statewide campaign in MI from an office
located -- "get this -- next door to the headquarters of the Kent County GOP.
According to The Associated Press (2000): It was easy for Michigan Democratic
Chairman Mark Brewer to pick the winner of Monday's debate: Michigan GOP
Chairwoman Betsy DeVos, who set up the debate without first checking with Gov.
John Engler, a staunch backer of Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Bush at first said
he wouldn't participate, then changed his mind last week. Monday's debate was
the third in four days for the six-man GOP field. "This (debate) was done by Betsy
DeVos to embarrass John Engler, and so far she seems to have the upper hand,"
Brewer said. DeVos said a no-show by Bush could have hurt him. "That's a
possibility," she said, adding she was neutral in the race.
-
In 1999, The Detroit News Reported On The Tiff Between Governor Engler
(R-MI) And DeVos. Considering their long friendship, and successful alliance in
achieving Republican control of state government, the tiff between Gov. John
Engler and Betsy DeVos is quite extraordinary. And a delight to Democrats. The
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surprises they have pulled on each other on school vouchers and presidential
debates have created tension between Michigan GOP headquarters and the
Executive Office. But DeVos, Engler-anointed chairwoman of the Republican
State Committee, issued a ringing "call for unity" when the committee met Friday
night at Detroit's St. Regis Hotel. Bowing to Engler's wishes, she convinced the
committee to table a resolution that was destined to pass endorsing the school
voucher ballot initiative that Engler opposes and she supports. "We are a family
here," Betsy DeVos told the committee. "Within families there are always debates.
The key to maintaining a healthy and thriving family is honest, open
communication and respect for one another." On Nov. 11, without consulting or
even personally advising her in advance, Engler blind-sided DeVos by announcing
that he asked her to: 1) table the endorsement resolution that was heading for
certain passage despite Engler's opposition; and 2) serve on a 24-member
"Republican Blue Ribbon Committee" to study the ballot initiative. She gamely
agreed but said no such committee could "dictate policy" to the GOP committee.
She also pointed out that the committee was all-white and lacked anyone from
Detroit. Engler invited her to submit some additional names, which she has. Item:
Last Tuesday, without consulting or advising Engler, DeVos and Kent County
Republicans announced invitations to GOP presidential candidates for a Jan. 10
debate in Grand Rapids to be co-hosted by Calvin College and WOOD-TV. The
Michigan primary is Feb. 22. Engler promptly questioned the wisdom of the
timing of the debate and expressed doubt that his choice for the nomination, Texas
Gov. George W. Bush, would attend. Bush subsequently declined. The strain that
the initiative has put on the DeVos-Engler relationship was underscored by a Nov.
12 letter she sent to Engler branding as "patently false a rumor" that party
resources are being diverted to support the initiative. "I am offended that you or
your staff would make such a suggestion, particularly without ever addressing the
issue with me directly," wrote DeVos. As noted, the two have a communication
problem. But DeVos, in calling for tabling of the voucher resolution, spoke for
both in declaring: "It's time now to refocus. We have Republicans to elect!"
According to Roll Call (1999): Although the state party's issues committee voted
16-0 in September to support the measure, the governor persuaded state party
Chairwoman Betsy DeVos, who favors the initiative, to stop the Michigan GOP
from officially voting its support for "Kids First! Yes!" Not surprisingly, there are
personal elements in the growing rift between Engler and Chairwoman DeVos.
Last summer, DeVos fired MRG, a Michigan-based political consulting firm that
had been retained to produce the state party's advertising in the gubernatorial race.
That apparently angered Engler, who is close to the firm. Since then, MRG (as
well as another Michigan-based polling firm) has produced survey numbers that
showed the initiative to be in much worse shape than other polls have reported.
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The growing
- In 1999, The Detroit News Reported: School vouchers will be among issues of
the 2000 presidential campaign and this weekend's Republican Leadership
Conference, GOP State Chairwoman Betsy DeVos predicted on eve of the
Mackinac Island meeting. "Every leading Republican (presidential candidate)
seems to be in favor," DeVos said of vouchers in a Thursday interview. "I believe
a quality education will be right up top as a (campaign) issue."
- In 1999, Time Reported On The DeVos' Meeting With Governor And Mrs.
Bush. Bush has also spoken to Richard and Elisabeth DeVos, benefactors of a
wide range of socially conservative organizations, including the Family Research
Council, whose president, Gary Bauer, is on leave to run for President. The
Michigan couple flew to Austin for a private dinner with the Governor and his
wife. Bush said the blessing and spent the evening talking about his positions and
beliefs. The DeVoses went home impressed. "It was clearly an effort not only to
inform but to persuade," says Betsy DeVos, who, as chair of the Michigan state
G.O.P., can't endorse a primary candidate. Bush knows that some would-be
supporters are worried that there may have been an indiscretion during his years as
a heavy-drinking party boy that could turn into a 6-in. tabloid headline during the
campaign. So Bush assures people like the DeVoses that he never did anything
that, if discovered, would disqualify him as a candidate. "The difference between
me and Clinton," Bush likes to say, "is that we both made mistakes, but I learned
from mine. I grew up."
-
In 1996, The Orlando Sentinel (Florida) Did An Article On DeVos And Her
Husband Richard. DeVos' daughter-in-law is considered a leading contender to
succeed outgoing Republican National Committee Chairman Haley Barbour. The
RNC is to meet Jan. 17 in Washington to elect its new leader and chief national
spokesman. Elisabeth "Betsy" DeVos, 38, of Grand Rapids, Mich., has headed the
Michigan Republicans since May, and has been the state GOP's national
committeewoman since 1992. She is president of The Windquest Group, which
markets space-saving storage devices, and is the wife of Magic vice-chairman and
Amway Corp. President Dick DeVos, who is Rich DeVos' son. Amway and the
DeVos family have been major Republican benefactors. The corporation
contributed at least $330,000 in "soft money" to GOP committees in the most
recent election, while family members, including Betsy, kicked in at least another
$100,000 to GOP causes. In 1994, Amway donated $2.5 million to launch the
GOP-TV production company.
- DeVos Commented On The 1996 Presidential Race In Michigan. Elisabeth
DeVos, the GOP chairman in Michigan, said that she was seeing "a softening of
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Mr. Clinton's vote here" and credited Mr. Perot's attacks on the president as
"having had an impact. It's definitely drawing some votes for Dole." (The
Washington Times, 1996).
-
In 1996, The Denver Post Mentioned DeVos In An Article On The
Controversial Proposition 17 (The Parental Rights Measure) In Colorado.
Members of the organization include Elisabeth DeVos, who is co-chair with Bell.
She and her husband, Richard, run the "Dick and Betty" DeVos foundation out of
Grand Rapids, Mich. They have often given to both Focus on the Family of
Colorado Springs and GOPAC. Richard DeVos heads the Amway corporation.
- DeVos Has Contributed To Bush-Cheney 04, Bush-Quayle 92, President
George H.W. Bush's 1988 Campaign, The Michigan Republican Party,
Senators Dan Coats (R-IN), Spencer Abraham (R-MI), John Ashcroft (R-
MO), Gordon Smith (R-OR) And John Ensign (R-NV).
Flags
- DeVos Was Named A Debtor In A Michigan UCC Filing.
- The Elisabeth D. DeVos Annuity Trust Has Been Named A Debtor In Four
Michigan UCC Filings.
- In 1998, The Washington Times Reported That DeVos Was A Potential
Candidate For Chairman Of The Republican National Committee But That
She Had Angered Religious Conservatives. The Michigan GOP chairman,
Elisabeth DeVos, is another potential candidate, but she angered religious
conservatives by speaking out against a resolution that would have barred the
RNC from financially supporting GOP candidates who do not support bans on
partial-birth abortions. A spokesman for Mrs. DeVos said yesterday that her stated
intention was to run for a second term as Michigan GOP chairman Feb. 6, but she
"has not ruled out anything."
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