MIRS Monday Podcast

Bayer Clip

Rosemary Bayer, 12th Senate District Democratic nominee, introducing herself last Friday at the Muslim Unity Center in Bloomfield Hills, as captured by a Republican tracker.

MIRS Monday, Oct. 1, 2018

What was it like to work in communications for Gov. Rick Snyder during the height of the Flint Water Crisis? Outgoing Snyder Press Secretary Anna Heaton shares some memories from her time with the term-limited governor in this edition.

Also, new AT&T Michigan President David Lewis and Legislative Affairs Vice President Gavin Goetz push for the adoption of statewide standards for "small cell" technology.

And the MIRS team talks about the impact of a national leadership PAC taking $2 million in TV ads out of U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop's re-election bid and why polling results on legalized pot differs based on whether it's a live poll or a robo-poll.

MIRS Monday, Sept. 24, 2018

Dr. Rob Davidson, the Democratic nominee in the 2nd Congressional District, has raised more than $800,000. He's going up on network TV with ads. In today's political environment and armed with polling, he believes he can beat four-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga in a 63 percent Republican district. What is giving him this level of confidence? Listen to this week's show to find out.

Also, who is telling the truth? Bill Schuette or Gretchen Whitmer when it comes the Larry Nassar prosecution? From a political standpoint, how much will it matter? The MIRS team is joined by Sara Wurfel of Truscott Rossman as we answer those questions, explore Schuette's investigation into the Catholic Church and talk about Justice Beth Clement, a candidate they nominated for election, being left off the Republican Party's door hanger in swing districts.

MIRS Monday, Sept. 17, 2018

Where are the Republicans? That's what Target Insyght's Ed Sarpolus is asking as he completes a poll for MIRS News and GCSI. Hear some of his other general observations after doing a new statewide poll set to be released Monday and several other regional surveys.

Also, Democrat Joanne Galloway talks about why voters in the 107th House District are done with Rep. Lee Chatfield. And Republican Jack O'Malley talks about how 30+ years in radio prepares him to represent the 101st District.

MIRS Monday, Sept. 10, 2018

What the hell happened with Sen. David Knezek (D-Dearborn Heights) in the 5th Senate District primary in his loss to Betty Jean Alexander? Knezek talks about his shocking loss to a political unknown, who spent less than $1,000 on her campaign and what his plans are going forward.

Also, is Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer more vulnerable on national issues like ICE and Hamas or should Bill Schuette try to go after her on state issues like no-fault car insurance? A source tells a MIRS correspondent that President Donald Trump is going to come to Michigan twice this campaign cycle. Where would be the best places for him to show up to inject enthusiasm into the Republican ticket? 

This and the story of Fred Snodgrass in this week's edition.

MIRS Monday, Sept. 3, 2018

He'd like to see Right to Work repealed, prevailing wage brought back and there's a third main item on AFL-CIO Michigan President Ron Bieber's wishlist if the Democrats take control of the governor's office, Senate and House during the 2018 elections. What is it? Bieber talks about this and other issues heading to the Nov. 6 election.

The MIRS team also talks about the results of a 400-plus respondent flash poll of MIRS subscribers taken last week. What is the better message? "Fix the damn roads" or "Cut the Granholm income tax hike?" One question yielded almost a flat-footed tie. This and more in this week's edition.

MIRS Monday, Aug. 27, 2018

Two Republican figures who could have helped unify the state party going into November -- Gov. Rick Snyder and state Sen. Patrick Colbeck -- were nowhere near the Lansing Center this weekend. The MIRS team talks about this, the lack of convention support for Justice Beth Clement and more observations from the GOP convention. Plus, hear raw audio from Republican U.S. Senate nominee John James and the top of the GOP ticket.

Was this week's Democratic convention just too long? Why was the April endorsement convention in foul weather better attended than the summer nominating convention? 

Hear observations about the Dem convention and Sen. Mike Shirkey talk about the prospects of the legislature voting on the prevailing wage and mimimum wage before either makes the November ballot.

MIRS Monday, Aug. 20, 2018

Listen to raw audio of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gretchen Whitmer naming Garlin Gilchrist II her lieutenant governor running mate in Lansing. Also, listen to short reporter scrums with both Whitmer and Gilchrist. The MIRS team analyzes the Whitmer pick and the Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Schuette's selection of Lisa Posthumus Lyons as his LG running mate in this podcast.

MIRS Monday, Aug. 13, 2018

Should President Donald Trump come to Michigan to help energize support for Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Schuette? Virg Bernero, former Lansing Mayor and 2010 Democratic gubernatorial nominee, say, "Yes." As a Democrat he wants Trump in Michigan as often as possible to drive independent-leaning voters to Democrat Gretchen Whitmer.

Bernero talks the August primary -- what Abdul El-Sayed, Shri Thanedar and Brian Calley could have done differently -- why Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan might have thrown him shade during a recent radio interview. Could it be because of MSU Board of Trustees politics? Listen to this and more from the "Angry Mayor" in this week's podcast.

MIRS Monday, Aug. 6, 2018

Republican Attorney General candidate Tonya Schuitmaker says she's ready to have more debates with convention opponent Tom Leonard, but he's not eager to sign up. Hear what Schuitmaker says about that, her view on abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned, presumed Democratic AG nominee Dana Nessel and her interest level in being the GOP's Lieutenant Governor nominee.

Also, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is not a Johnny Come Lately to the PFAS issue, according to spokesperson Scott Dean, who defends the department's handling of this emerging water contaminate and puts Michigan among the leading states in responding to it.

Finally, the MIRS team runs down their favorite primary campaign ads and talks about the nastiest primaries this election cycle -- the 24th Senate District, the 51st House District and the Macomb County Clerk's race.