Whoo boy, things are heating up in Howell, MI, thanks in part to C&Lers who wrote in to Cleary University asking if Ann Coulter spoke for their values.

Liberal Lucy, the diarist at Daily Kos, gives us an update on her site:

In Michigan, the Livingston Economic Council (LEC) is going to pay Angry Ann Coulter over $30,000 to come and speak at Cleary University this fall. Wow, with that kind of cash, business must be pretty good in Livingston County.

Too bad that's far from the case. The fact is, one of the LEC's own sponsors, the Livingston Economic Development Council is struggling to stay afloat. According to the Livingston Co. Press and Argus after having to let staff go - the agency is really hoping its donors will step up contributions to help keep the lights on.

(Livingston Co. Administrator Bob) Block said having (LEDC Director Fred) Dillingham provide economic development services is a cost-effective way for the county to attract and retain businesses.
"It's a legitimate and meaningful activity to promote economic development within your jurisdiction," he said.

In such a poor economy, "clearly an effort to retain the existing employee base and seek out the next generation is maybe more important," Block added.

So they think Ann Coulter's hate rhetoric will encourage business? Liberal Lucy has contact names if you want to give them your opinion of their version of business development.