State Bytes: Recent Episodes
Stateside
Welcome to State Bytes! Hosts Bob Maurice and Meghan Holihan of Stateside Associates interview lobbyists in the states each election cycle. State level elections never get the attention they deserve - these episodes offer folks nuggets of information on these races.
Anne Farley of First State Strategies and Mary Davis of Ned Davis Associates sat down with us twice – thanks to our IT difficulties! – to talk about the upcoming governor’s race in Delaware. We also discuss what happened in the primary and learn about what their last meals on Earth would be!
Jenifer Brandeberry and Julie McKenna of Brandeberry McKenna Public Affairs joined on October 30 to discuss the ballot measures Coloradoans will decide as well as how the coronavirus pandemic effected the legislative session. We also learn about new shows to add to our binge list!
Jim Merrill of Bernstein Shur sat down virtually with us October 23 to talk about the governor’s race and the themes that are driving the legislative races. Jim also shares what his last meal on Earth would be!
Theresa Kostrzewa and Lisa Martin of Capitol Advantage joined us October 21 to give us a lay of the land on the gubernatorial and attorney races. Theresa and Lisa also talk about the state legislative races and all the attention the state has been receiving on all levels this election. We also add more tv shows onto our binge list!
Dave Picard of the Wyoming Group joined us October 28 to give us an overview of how the legislative primaries played out earlier this year and how the Legislature operates in even years versus odd years versus interim months. Dave also gives a shout out to his favorite restaurant!
Sandy Braden of Braden Heidner Lowe & Associates sat down with us virtually October 28 to talk all things Kansas. We learned how the primaries and retirements will shake up the Legislature and Sandy’s favorite tv channel to binge!
Brian Allen of Capitol Hill Advisors joined us October 27 to break down the upcoming elections in Utah. We learned a bit about the gubernatorial contest and how the pandemic effected the legislative session this year. Brian shares what his last meal on Earth would be!
Rick Russell of State Street Advisors came back on the pod October 27 to talk about the competitive state chamber races in the Key State this cycle. Rick also shares with us what his next, new adventure will be!
Ted Popely sat down with us virtually on October 22 to go over how the state house came to be under a coalition majority control. We also get a lesson in how the state’s unique Permanent Fund Dividend effects politics and everyday life in Alaska. Ted also shares what he’s been binging recently!
Amber Barnes, friend of the pod, from McGuireWoods joined on October 14 to talk about things to watch on election night in the Palmetto State, a notable retirement in the legislature, and what issues are likely to be brought up next session. We also see where her sports loyalties lie!
Justin Smith from Woods Fuller Shultz & Smith came back on the pod October 14 to talk about the upcoming legislative elections. Justin also briefs us on the state’s ballot measures and we learn about his new favorite bingeable tv show!
Mark Vane of Husch Blackwell joined us virtually October 13 to talk about the heavily targeted Texas State House. We also learn about what is coming down the pike next session. Mark then shares what would be his last meal on Earth!
Ali Mock from Government Edge came back on the pod October 13 to give us a lay of the land in this year’s state legislative elections in Ohio. Ali also recaps the shake-up that happened in House leadership earlier this year. Ali also gives us two solid book recommendations!
Dustin Miller from Government Strategies joined us on October 13 to talk all things Kentucky. We learned some history on how the state’s turnout has affected the state House makeup over the last few cycles and how the pandemic affected this year’s session. Dustin also shares his college memories and we learned about his favorite sports teams!
Jeremey Shepherd and Annie Early of Schreiber GR Group came on the pod October 9 to talk about the state’s absentee ballot situation and the types of issues state legislative candidates are running on. We also learn about Annie’s favorite sports team and Jeremey’s favorite Wisconsin-made food!
Erin Niemela and Emily Pappas, of Niemela Pappas & Associates, sat down with us virtually October 9 to discuss the ballot measures Californians will decide this cycle and how the pandemic affected the state’s legislative session. Erin and Emily also give a shout-out to their new favorite bingeable tv show!
Nick Simonetta and Kristen Boilini of Pivotal Policy Consulting joined us October 2 to talk about the exciting state Senate and House races this cycle in Arizona. We also learn about Nick’s favorite sports teams and Kristen gives us a book recommendation to add to our lists!
Former Statesider Glenn Oppel of Strategies 360 came on the pod October 8 to talk about the state’s highly competitive gubernatorial and attorney general races. Glenn also goes over what folks can expect next session. Then, we learn about what his favorite meal on earth is!
Jill Rice of Dinsmore sat down with us virtually on October 8 to discuss the gubernatorial and attorney races in her state. Jill also briefs us on the teachers’ activism that has taken place over the last couple of sessions and how that is affecting this election cycle. She recommends some more bingeable television options!
Justin Allen Wright Lindsey Jennings joined us October 7 to talk all things Arkansas. We learn about how a congressional race is affecting several state races. Justin goes over the issues state candidates are focusing on this cycle. Then, we learn about Justin’s new favorite television show!
Elizabeth Emerson of Goff Public came on the pod September 29 to talk about the state’s heavily targeted battle for the House and Senate. We discuss the issues candidates are running on and learn about her sports allegiances!
Brian Dempsey and Anna Lucey of Dempsey Lucey & Associates joined us October 7 to talk all things Massachusetts. We discuss the two ballot measures voters will decide and how the coronavirus pandemic has affected and will continue to affect the legislative session. Brian and Anna also share the television shows they’ve been binging recently!
We welcomed Jamie Feehan of Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer to the pod October 1 to discuss the state’s gubernatorial and attorney races. We get an education on how Vermont’s districts work and Jamie also breaks down what is likely to transpire during the next legislative session. We end the show learning about a new British crime drama!
Brad Alexander of Impact Public Affairs visited the pod September 30 to talk about the upcoming state House and Senate elections in the Peach State and the impact of specific retirements from the legislature. Brad also laments about his favorite football team!
Jim Hedrick of H2 Government Relations sat down with us virtually on September 29 to talk about the state’s gubernatorial race and what might be in store for the Governor’s future. Jim also gives us some background on how the state’s legislative districts are comprised. We also learn about a new book to add to our lists!
Mike Saxl of MaineStreet Solutions came on the pod September 29 to give us the lay of the land in Maine – a state that has a highly contested U.S. Senate race that could affect down ballot races. He also breaks down what happened when the session abruptly drew to a close due to the pandemic and what will likely be on the docket in 2021. Mike then tells us what his last meal on earth would be!
Friend of the pod Lenny Lopes, of The Victor Group, sat down with us virtually on September 28. Lenny talks about recent shifts within the Democratic Party in Rhode Island and how that will continue to affect the work of the Legislature.
We welcomed Chris Lyon from Lewis, Longman and Walker to talk all things Florida on September 25. It’s another big election year for the Panhandle State and Chris leads a data-driven conversation about registered voter party breakdown and mail-in ballots. We learned about constitutional amendments that could drive voters to the polls. And, we got the scoop on the Governor’s new law and order proposals. Chris also starts a controversial conversation about burger joints!
Kim Robak of Mueller Robak LLC joined us September 24 to talk about turnout and enthusiasm and how these things could affect federal and state races this cycle. Kim gives us a primer on the state’s unique legislature -- the Unicameral. She also gives some recommendations for those of us that have already watched everything on our streaming lists!
Jason Kreizenbeck of Lobby Idaho joined us September 23 to talk about how the Legislature responded to the pandemic as well as some important retirements from the Legislature. Jason also shares his new favorite show to binge!
We welcomed Brian Grace from The Nexus Group September 23 to talk about one of the few gubernatorial races that is actually competitive this cycle. Brian also gives us an overview of the competitive races in the state house and state senate. He also gives a shout-out to his favorite quarantine television show!
We chatted with Mike Bivens of Bivens & Associates September 23 to give us a lay of the land in the upcoming state house and senate races. Mike shares his thoughts on what’s coming down the pike for next legislative session and what his last meal on earth would be!
Wayne Lair Jr. of Statewide Public Affairs sat down with us virtually on September 22 talk about the outcomes of the Assembly and Senate primaries, the new make-up of leadership in the chambers, and how the coronavirus pandemic has effected New York state and New York City. Wayne also gives us a Netflix suggestion!
Mike Biberstine of Frost Brown Todd LLC came on the pod September 21 to talk about what issues are taking center stage in the gubernatorial race and how the attorney general race was shaken up after Republicans did not re-nominate the current Republican incumbent. Mike also tells us what his last meal on earth would be!
John Thompson, of John Thompson Consulting, joined us September 21 to talk about mail-in ballot procedures, the current budget short-fall, and the leadership vacuum created in the Roundhouse due to a handful of incumbents losing their primary races. He also shares his favorite quarantine recipe!
James McSpadden, Brett Robinson, and Seth Rott of MMR gave us an overview of Oklahoma politics on September 18. We learned about the dynamics of the legislative session during COVID and what issues are coming down the pike next year – including Medicaid expansion. And of course, we talked about the King!
Mike Triplett, owner of Triplett Enterprises, came on the pod September 15 to talk about the hotly contested House races. He thinks it will be an extremely late night on election day in Iowa. Mike also talks about the state’s unique redistricting commission.
Mike Cassidy from McGuire Woods joined us September 14 to talk about how turnout in a presidential year may endanger some state legislators, and how a big ballot measure could affect the election and the state’s budget for years to come. He also tries to choose a favorite Chicago sports team and describes what would be his last meal on earth.
We welcomed seasoned podcast host (check out The Political Life!) Jim O’Brien and his associate James Woulfe of The Connecticut Group onto the pod on September 2. They outline the angst by candidates about the changes that have been made the election schedule this cycle due to COVID and how different the Legislature may look next year. Jim and James throw out some of their favorite quarantine shows.
Paul Cosgrove of Tonkon Torp came on the pod September 2 to lend us some knowledge on Oregon politics. Paul explains how the winner of the state’s Secretary of State race could have a bigger impact on the state’s future could have than some may realize. He also introduces us to a new British crime show!
We chatted with Jason Wadaga of Kindsvatter Dalling & Associates on September 2 about all the attention Michigan has been receiving lately. Jason gives a shout-out to his favorite Netflix original!
Richard Perkins of The Perkins Co. joined us on August 31 to chat about all things Nevada. Richard gives us a lay of the land on the state legislative elections and the special sessions that have occurred due to the coronavirus pandemic. Richard also gives us his recommendations on television shows to binge.
In our first episode of the season, we sat down virtually on August 25 with Kekoa McClellan of The McClellan Group. We learned a lot about this blue-hued state – Kekoa also shared his favorite quarantine recipe with us!
Stateside's Co-CEO Michael Behm sat down (virtually) with CSG's Executive Director David Adkins for an in-depth conversation on the coronavirus pandemic and how it has effected state government.
State Bytes has published the last episode of its third season – and second elections-focused season. While many folks tend to forget about off-year elections, they still have consequences, particularly at the state level where most policy-making that effects everyday life occurs. And, when results started to pour in last Tuesday, we saw Democrats flip the Virginia Legislature as well as the Kentucky Governor's Mansion. Republicans flipped two attorneys general offices and maintained gubernatorial and legislative power in Mississippi. In our final episode of the season, we welcomed Tim Storey, the Executive Director of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), to the pod to discuss these electoral results with our Co-CEO Michael Behm.
Dom Magnolo of Duane Morris Government Strategies joined us to talk about the legislative races in New Jersey. Dom gives insight on the 80 seats up in the New Jersey General Assembly. While there is no top of the ticket race, these contests could have a great impact on next legislative session.
For this episode, we welcomed Holly Chisa of HPC Advocacy to talk about the upcoming City Council elections in Seattle, Washington. Holly gives us an overview of the current political landscape in Seattle. We discuss the dynamics of the four open seat races as well as the races with incumbents' up for re-election. Holly briefs us on the "Head Tax" and how it is still affecting the city.
We welcomed Travis Blankenship of McGuire Woods to talk about the hotly contested Virginia Senate races for our seventh episode of this season. Travis talks about how Virginia has changed since the last time the Senate was up. We discuss what issues Senate candidates have been touting on the trail and which Senate districts are in play. Travis also briefs us on what the Senate was able to get accomplished this past session and what's left to tackle next session.
We chatted with Tray Adams of McGuire Woods about the hotly contested Virginia House races for our sixth episode. Tray gives us a recap of what went down in the 2017 election and what folks are running on in 2019. We discuss the newly drawn House districts and how that is effecting some races. And, Tray briefs us on what may be coming down the pike next session in the House.
We welcomed Stephen Clay of The Clay Firm to our fifth episode. He discusses the gubernatorial show down between Lt. Governor Tate Reeves (R) and Attorney General Jim Hood (D). We also learned that Louisiana is not the only southern state to experience a large turnover in the legislature this cycle and what topics may be on the table for those new legislators come 2020.
We welcomed back Steven Dover - one of our friends from the north - to chat about the upcoming Canadian election. The election will be held October 21. We discuss the campaign messages of both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as well as his top tier opponent, Andrew Scheer. We also learn about other issues facing Canada this year.
We welcome back Mike Biagi of the Rotunda Group. Mike first details the results of the state's 2018 legislative elections before diving into the current gubernatorial and attorney general race. We discuss what a 2020 legislative session may look like - which is dependent on the outcome of the gubernatorial election.
In our second episode, we get to talk with Dawn Cole of Full Circle Strategies and Josh Borill of State Capitol Solutions about the legislative races in Louisiana including how turnout may affect those races and what issues folks are running on. We also touch on the make-up of the 2020 legislature and how different it may look.
In our first episode of the third season, we chat with Rodney Braxton of Southern Strategy Group about the state's unique hybrid legal system and its "jungle" primary. We also discussed the first term of Governor John Bel Edwards (D) and the dynamics of the gubernatorial race.
Stateside's Johnathan Lozier and Kiley Smith sit down with Jody Thomas, the Executive Director of the National Foundation for Women Legislators, to discuss how NFWL works with elected women at the state, county, and municipal levels, what goes on at their annual meetings and how the private sector can partner with the Group.
Stateside's Johnathan Lozier sits down with Lucy Gettman, the Executive Director of Women In Government (WIG), to discuss how WIG works with women legislators, the business community, and much more.
Stateside's Stephanie Reich sits down with Sean Rankin, the Executive Director of the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA), to discuss how DAGA assists attorneys general and those running for the office, the 2019 and 2020 cycles, the 1881 Initiative, and more.
*Editor's note: Jennifer Riley Collins, a Democrat running for attorney general in Mississippi, served 14 years on active duty.
Stateside's Steve Arthur sits down with Adam Piper, the Executive Director of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), to discuss the Group's founding, how the business community can participate in RAGA, and predictions for the 2019 election cycle.
Stateside's Johnathan Lozier sits down with Jessica Post, DLCC's Executive Director, to chat about the Group's goals and the benefits of joining the DLCC. Jessica shares the lessons learned during the 2018 election cycle and which states DLCC is targeting in 2020.
Florida: Greg Black of Gunster joined us on October 24 to talk about the gubernatorial race between former Congressman Rob DeSantis (R) and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum (D). Mr. Black examines the state house and senate races and gives us his thoughts on what a split government would look like. We also discuss legislative processes in a part-time state.
South Carolina: Amber Barnes and Brian Flynn of McGuireWoods joined us on October 24 to discuss the state's gubernatorial contest between Governor Henry McMaster (R) and State Representative James Smith (D). We also examine issues down ballot candidates are running on and their thoughts on what may be coming down the pike for the upcoming session.
Texas: Jack Erskine and Ky Ash of K&L Gates joined us on October 18 to talk about the potential down ballot impact of the state's U.S. Senate race. Mr. Ash gives us an overview of Governor Greg Abbott's (R) re-election campaign as well as his opponent, Lupe Valdez (D). Mr. Erskine tells us what candidate trends he's seeing on the ground. We also discuss potential big ticket items on the table for the upcoming legislative session.
Tennessee Part Two:We were lucky enough to chat with two folks in a state that is experiencing more media attention than it is used to in an election cycle. Jim Schmidt of Schmidt Government Solutions joined us on October 25 to give us his thoughts on how Democratic enthusiasm may affect state level elections and when the state's embrace of the Republican Party occurred.
Tennessee Part One: We were lucky enough to chat with two folks in a state that is experiencing more media attention than it is used to in an election cycle. Mike Bivens of Bivens & Associates joined us on October 22 to outline the gubernatorial race between Karl Dean (D) and Bill Lee (R). Mr. Bivens gives us his thoughts on state house and senate races and the Republicans' achievements in the legislature.
Oklahoma: Pat McFerron of CMA Strategies talked with us on October 19 about the gubernatorial race between Kevin Stitt (R) and Drew Edmondson (D). We examine trends that he is seeing on the ground and Mr. McFerron also discusses last session's education funding package.
North Dakota: Tom Kelsch from The Kelsch Law Firm chatted with us on October 17 about the U.S. Senate race and the state's attorney general race. We examine two state ballot measures and Mr. Kelsch gives us his thoughts on issues lawmakers may tackle next legislative session.
Minnesota: Sonnie Elliott of Faegre Baker Daniels joined us on September 25. Ms. Elliott gave us a lay of the land in the state's gubernatorial election between Congressman Tim Walz (DFL) and Jeff Johnson (R). We also discuss state house races and the state senate special election and how those results could affect next legislative session.
Ohio: We have two episodes in this battleground state. We talked with Mike Caputo of Capitol Partners on October 23. In Part One, Mr. Caputo discusses the gubernatorial race between Attorney General Mike DeWine (R) and Rich Cordray (D). Mr. Caputo also discusses early voting numbers and the huge uptick in registered unaffiliated voters.
Ohio: We have two episodes in this battleground state. We talked with Ali Mock from Government Edge on October 25. In Part Two, Ms. Mock gives us an overview of the issues gubernatorial candidates and down ticket candidates are running on. We discuss potential issues legislators may tackle during the lame duck legislative session. Ms. Mock also weighs in on why Ohio has become such a bellwether for national trends.
Vermont: Allison Crowley DeMag from Morris & DeMag talked with us on October 16 about the gubernatorial race between Governor Phil Scott (R) and Christine Hallquist (D). Ms. Crowley DeMag also discusses what needs to happen for the Democrats to have veto-proof majorities in both the House and Senate.
Maine: Deb Hart from Hart Public Policy gave us an overview of the gubernatorial race between Shawn Moody (R) and Attorney General Janet Mills (D) on October 15. Ms. Hart discusses what she’s seeing on the ground in what has become a battleground state this cycle.
Washington: Bill Stauffacher from Stauffacher Communications joined us on October 10 to talk about state elections in Washington. We discuss state house and senate races, candidate trends, and ballot measures. Mr. Stauffacher also discusses the state’s unique legislative districts.
North Carolina:Theresa Kostrzewa from Capitol Advantage Associates chatted with us on October 9 about the upcoming state level elections in North Carolina. Ms. Kostrzewa discusses accomplishments of the Republican Party, which holds a majority in both chambers, and gives her thoughts on the upcoming legislative session.
Utah: Derek Brown and Chase Everton from Michael Best in Salt Lake City joined us on October 4 to talk Utah politics. Mr. Brown and Mr. Everton discuss the citizen initiatives in the state, how those are affecting local races, and how they could affect the next legislative session.
Alaska: Frank Bickford from The Bickford Pacific Group joined us October 4 and October 23 to discuss Alaska politics and the upcoming election. In Part Two, Mr. Bickford joined us to discuss the recent development of incumbent Governor Bill Walker’s (I) decision to drop out of the race.
Alaska: Frank Bickford from The Bickford Pacific Group joined us October 4 and October 23 to discuss Alaska politics and the upcoming election. In Part One, Mr. Bickford discusses the gubernatorial campaigns of Mike Dunleavy (R) and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D). He also gives us a lay of the land in the state house and state senate races.
Kansas: Natalie Bright and Marlee Carpenter from Bright & Carpenter Consulting joined us on October 5 to discuss the Kansas state elections. We get an overview of the gubernatorial race between Secretary Kris Kobach (R) and State Senator Laura Kelly (D). Also, Ms. Bright and Ms. Carpenter discuss some interesting trends in the state house and state senate races. We also discuss what may be coming down the pike next legislative session.
Oregon: Amanda Dalton from Dalton Advocacy joined us on October 3 to discuss the surprisingly tightening gubernatorial race between Governor Kate Brown (D) and State Representative Knute Buehler (R). Ms. Dalton also talks about measures on the ballot and the potential to drive voters on election day. We also discuss what may be on the table next legislative session.
South Dakota: Justin Smith from Woods Fuller Shultz & Smith chatted with us on October 1. Mr. Smith gives us an overview of the gubernatorial race between Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R) and State Senator Billie Sutton (D). We also recap the 2018 legislative session, get a preview of the upcoming year, and touch on the Wayfair case.
Montana: Aimee Grmoljez from Crowley Fleck chatted with us on September 28 to give us some insight on Montana politics and the upcoming election. Ms. Grmoljez talks about issues that are in the forefront of these races as well as any trends she has seen on the ground. She also gives an overview of initiatives on the ballot.
New Hampshire: Jim Merrill from The Bernstein Shur Group joined us on October 5 to talk about the gubernatorial race between Governor Chris Sununu (R) and Molly Kelly (D) and what folks are running on in state level races. Mr. Merrill talks about trends he has seen this cycle. He also gives us a lay of the land of the upcoming legislative session.
Missouri: In this special roundtable episode, three guests joined us on September 27 to talk Missouri demographics and politics. Bill Shoehigh of Shoehigh and Associates and Kurt Schaefer and Doug Nelson of Lathrop Gage discuss the state house and state senate races and initiatives on the ballot in November and how those results might shape the 2019 session. We also briefly discuss the new dynamic in the Governor’s Office.
Michigan: Pat Harrington from Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates joined us on October 3 to outline the issues gubernatorial candidates Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Attorney General Bill Schuette (R) are running on. Mr. Harrington talks about the state’s “blue pockets” and which chamber he believes is the most likely (though not guaranteed) to flip. We also discuss different post-election scenarios and what they would mean for next session.
Maryland: Lisa Harris Jones from Harris Jones & Malone joined us on September 28 to talk about the gubernatorial election in the Old Line State between Governor Larry Hogan (R) and Ben Jealous (D). She also details how the state’s surprising primary went down and her thoughts on what issues have resonated with voters this cycle.
New Mexico:Al Park from The Park Law Firm joined us on September 26 to discuss the upcoming election and New Mexico’s political history. Mr. Park recaps issues folks are running on in the state and trends he is experiencing in these races on the ground. We also discuss potential issues for the legislature to tackle this upcoming session.
Pennsylvania: Rick Russell from State Street Advisors talked with us about the Keystone State’s elections on September 27. At the time of our recording, Mr. Russell acknowledged that there was a lack of intensity and animosity in the gubernatorial race. However, State Senator Scott Wagner (R) recently live streamed a video on Facebook that could change the mood of this race. (The original video was removed from the site.) We also discuss the state house and senate races and the upcoming challenges facing the legislature.
Arizona: Barb Meaney from Triadvocates chatted with us on September 25 to discuss the dynamics of the gubernatorial and state senate races. She notes that her state has bucked the trends we’ve seen in other states. Mr. Meaney also outlines issues that may come up in the 2019 legislative session.
New York: Evan Stavisky from The Parkside Group joined us on September 24 to discuss the state’s competitive primary results and what that could mean for the legislative session. We chat about what could happen if the State Senate flips to full Democratic control and Mr. Stavisky gives us a fun fact about the Senate chamber itself.
Arkansas: Justin Allen from Wright Lindsey Jennings chatted with us on September 21 about Governor Asa Hutchinson’s (R) and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s (R) campaign platforms. Mr. Allen identified several issues that will likely be on the table in the 2019 legislative session. We also discuss the state’s ballot measures, some of which are in litigation.
Hawaii: Mike Iosua and Kim Yoshimoto joined us from Imanaka Asato on September 20 to discuss the Democratic gubernatorial primary contest. Mr. Iosua and Ms. Yoshimoto talk about what issues Hawaiians are facing today and how that sets up the 2019 legislative session.
Canada: Steven Dover from Tactix joined us on October 9 for a special episode on the recent, historic provincial elections in Quebec and New Brunswick. Mr. Dover provides an overview of how provincial government is structured. We then discuss the surprising election results in Quebec and the issues the new government will likely attempt to tackle. We also talk about the disorder being experienced in New Brunswick as technically no party won a majority in the election. This is a very educational episode.
Georgia: Jay Morgan from The J.L. Morgan Company talked with us about Georgia’s election on October 2. Mr. Morgan summarizes one of the hottest gubernatorial races in the country – both Secretary of State Brian Kemp (R) and Stacy Abrams (D) are focused on creating an intensity in their bases. It is a race that has been consistently in the national news and Mr. Morgan speaks to that unprecedented exposure. Mr. Morgan offers insight on how Secretary Kemp (R) and Abrams (D) might work with the legislature to accomplish specific goals.
Iowa: Tom Cope and John Murphy joined us from Cope Murphy+Co on October 1. Giving our listeners a Republican and Democratic perspective, they outline the issues Governor Reynolds (R) and Fred Hubbell (D) are campaigning on and what is resonating with Iowa voters. We discuss strategies for down ballot races and what the chambers could look like in the 2019 session.
Illinois: John Kamis chatted with us from Carpenter Lipps & Leland on September 25. Mr. Kamis reminds us what happened in the Republican and Democratic primaries that were held way back in March. We talk about the recent ideological shifts in both parties within the Prairie State and how those could affect the next legislative session.
Kentucky: Mike Biagi from The Rotunda Group joined us on September 20 to discuss the upcoming state legislative elections in Kentucky. Mr. Biagi gives us an overview of what issues folks are running on and how their campaigns are messaging around current issues. We also chat about what is coming down the pike for the 2019 legislative session.
Rhode Island: Lenny Lopes from The Victor Group chatted with us about the Rhode Island gubernatorial race on September 18. He summarizes what issues Governor Gina Raimondo (D) and Cranston Mayor Alan Fung (R) ran on in their primaries and what they’re focusing on in the general campaign. Mr. Lopes also recaps the 2018 legislative session.
Massachusetts: Jay Myers with Locke Lord joined us right after the Massachusetts’s primary election on September 7. We discuss the popularity of Governor Charlie Baker and how his opponent will try to counter that in general. We also talk about some shake ups down ballot in the primary and trends Mr. Myers sees in the state legislative races. He highlights major legislative accomplishments from this past session and we discuss what is left on the table for January. He also graciously gives us some advice on how to approach passing a bill in the Commonwealth.
Alabama: Graham Champion chatted with us from Public Strategies LLC on September 19 to provide insight on the upcoming state elections in, what he affectionately calls, the Make Me State. Mr. Champion gives us an overview of the governor’s race and his thoughts on a potential upset in a statewide office. We discuss what will likely take priority next session.
Connecticut: Jim O’Brien from The Connecticut Group joined us on August 22 to discuss Connecticut politics and the upcoming general election. The state’s economy is still struggling, and its citizens have experienced two tax increases in the past eight years. Couple those with the low approval rating of outgoing Governor Dan Malloy (D) and we’ve seen a reliably blue state start to lean away from the Democratic Party of late in the polls. We talk about the campaigns of Ned Lamont (D) and Bob Stefanowski (R), the two men running to replace Malloy. The State Senate has been tied since the last election. It is again considered a battleground chamber this session. Mr. O’Brien also outlines the top priorities of the legislature for next session.
Idaho: John Watts of Veritas Advisors LLP joined us on September 17 to discuss Idaho politics. Mr. Watts gives us an overview of the gubernatorial race between Lt. Governor Brad Little (R) and Paulette Jordan (D). Jordan (D) pulled an upset in the Democratic primary beating the Party’s heir-apparent though he, like many others, expects Lt. Governor Little (R) to be successful in the general election. We discuss what issues the two are running on, the messaging in each campaign, and how those things are resonating with the voters. In particular, Jordan (D) is running on social issues that Mr. Watts is not convinced Idahoans are ready for. We also talk about the magnitude of the Medicaid expansion ballot question and how it’s effecting the governors’ race. Mr. Watts lays out potential issues for the Legislature to tackle in 2019 and some fun facts about the state.