MIRS Monday Podcast

MIRS Monday, May 19, 2014

Ed McNeil, the special assistant to the AFSCME Council 25 president, (4:49) says a "deal is a deal" when it comes to negotiating a "Grand Bargain" on the Detroit bankruptcy with arbitrators and why they're not interested in reopening talks with lawmakers. 

Gilda Jacobs of the Michigan League for Public Policy (12:53) expresses concern about the Speaker's $450 million road funding package. Does she support the Senate's minimum wage proposal or would she rather see Raise Michigan's $10.10 an hour drive go on the ballot?

Also, the MIRS team talks about the eventful 11th Congressional District Republican primary and more.

MIRS Monday, May 12, 2014

Gov. Rick Snyder, gubernatorial nominee Mark Schauer, U.S. Senate candidate Terri Land, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters. Which one is not on the official Detroit Chamber of Commerce's Mackinac Policy Conference agenda? Why not? The Chamber's Brad Williams explains this and many other details about the upcoming event, including more on the first time two of these candidates are scheduled to be in the same room together.

Also, which state House incumbent is most vulnerable in the August primary? How about in the Senate? This and much more on this edition of MIRS Monday.

MIRS Monday, May 5, 2014

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers and 8th Congressional candidate Mike Bishop hold their first press conference in Lansing today. Listen to: Bishop defend his allowance of a 2007 tax vote to happen as Senate Majority Leader (12:55), where Bishop stands on Obamacare (21:20), if Rogers believes Bishop's primary opponent would be an "embarrassment" in Congress (24:13), Rogers' view on isolationism in relation to foreign policy (24:55), Rogers say "the world is just about on fire" (29:09), Bishop on Medicaid expansion and the "pension tax" (31:08), Rogers on running for president (33:54), Bishop say he's not convinced McMillin is a conservative (35:50) and Rogers say he's disturbed by politicians who are "all about me" (37:19).

Also, are the Democrats and U.S. Rep. Gary Peters making a smart tactical decision by staying on women's issues in the U.S. Senate race against Terri Lynn Land?

MIRS Monday Podcast, April 28, 2014

U.S. Senate candidate Gary Peters talks about the Affordable Care Act at Saturday's Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) Jefferson Jackson Dinner. It was headlined by former President Bill Clinton. MIRS gathered a collection of memories about him from Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, Sen. Coleman Young II, Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano, Attorney General candidate Godfrey Dillard, Oakland County Commission candidate Phil Reid and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.

Also, can House Speaker Jase Bolger's road plan get through in these next two months while the budget is being worked on? The Detroit settlement? EAA? Minimum wage? 

MIRS Monday, April 21, 2014

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer talks to supporters and the media after turning in his signatures to qualify for the August primary. Is he concerned about polls that still show Gov. Rick Snyder still leading him? Also, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson takes a position on the part-time legislature question, talks about why she didn't run for Congress and addresses the new law on independent expenditure disclosure that runs contrary to her own position.

MIRS Monday, April 14, 2014

Congressional hopeful Debbie Dingell talks about her philosophy in raising campaign money, among many other subjects in her first Lansing media availability as a candidate.

 

The MIRS team picks the most effective political TV ad to this point. Also, could Rep. Tom McMillin's candidacy in the 8th Congressional District put the district more in play for Democrats? And when will the Democrats turn the Affordable Care Act into a political positive?

MIRS Monday, April 7, 2014

Newly announced Lt. Gov. candidate and Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown checks in with MIRS on her role in the gubernatorial election and whether the Governor gets hit over the abortion insurance rider he didn't sign. And later, which Michigan road is in the worst condition? House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) weighs in on that while talking about the road funding plan announced last week. 

MIRS Monday, March 31, 2014

Join pundits Stephanie McLean of GMT Strategies, TJ Bucholz of Lambert, Edwards & Associates, Stu Sandler of Decider Strategies and Jeff Timmer of the Sterling Corporation as they discuss a wide range of topics. How well did Gov. Rick Snyder deal with the same-sex marriage situation? What happens now that the 8th Congressional District is in play? Our pundits weigh in on these and other issues. 

MIRS Monday, March 24, 2014

U.S. Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land holds her first media conference call this morning. The subject was the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or "Obamacare." Listen to the conference in its entirety at the 19:20 mark. Also, Rep. Jeff Irwin extends an olive branch to House leadership after getting gavelled down during his arguments against the balanced budget resolution. What impact will the gay marriage ruling have on Attorney General Bill Schuette? This and more on this week's edition

MIRS Monday, March 17, 2014

Why is Curtis Hertel looking to give up a better-paying job as the Ingham County Register of Deeds to be a candidate in the state 23rd Senate District? Does he believe the Democrats can break 30 years of GOP majorities? Also, 98th District House candidate Gary Glenn is known in Lansing as an outspoken supporter for traditional marriage, but he's making it known he's not a one-issue candidate although he questions whether public sentiment is trending in favor of gay marriage.

MIRS debates the value of the recent gubernatorial polls and listens to a special St. Patrick's Day greeting. Finally, find out what else is special about Mar. 17.