It's Just Politics: Recent Episodes
Michigan Radio
Politics can be messy. Politics can be confusing. But, that certainly doesn't mean politics can't be a joy-ride. Join It's Just Politics host Zoe Clark as she drills down on what’s happening in Michigan politics.
After a contentious battle in Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, where does the party go from here? Plus, Tuesday’s election results.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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With one week before Michigan’s primary election, a look at where the open races for governor and U.S. Senate stand.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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We're in your feed again this week bringing you interviews with both U.S. Senate candidates. Today, we have former Wayne County health official Abdul El-Sayed. Yesterday, we heard from U.S. Representative Haley Stevens.
Note: Michigan Public reached out to former Congressman Mike Rogers, who is running on the Republican ticket. If he accepts an interview request, we’ll bring you that conversation as well.
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This week on the podcast we're doing something different. We're bringing you interviews with both U.S. Senate candidates. Today, we have U.S. Representative Haley Stevens. Tomorrow, we'll hear from former Wayne County health official Abdul El-Sayed.
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July 2026. We are now halfway through the year. On today’s It’s Just Politics, a look at the top three Michigan political stories of the year. So far.
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On the heels of Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow’s decision to drop out of the U.S. Senate race, leading contenders in the Democratic primary, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed met up in a televised debate last night that was Michiganders’ first look at how the candidates stack up directly against each other.
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It looks more and more likely that lawmakers and Governor Gretchen Whitmer will not pass a state budget by the July 1st statutory deadline. What comes next?
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Michigan Senate Democrats propose new data center regulations. What would the bills do and could they actually become law?
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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The clock is ticking on Michigan's state budget, and there's growing skepticism lawmakers won’t meet the July 1 deadline.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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A big union endorsement, millions in outside spending, and a three-way Democratic fight that's only getting tougher. Michigan's open U.S. Senate race is quickly becoming one of the country's most closely watched contests.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Former speechwriter Chai Karve shares how he crafted speeches for Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and why political speeches still matter in the digital age.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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New polling shows Governor Whitmer’s enduring popularity, deep voter frustration with the two-party system, and growing anxiety over inflation, jobs, and the state’s economic future heading into Election 2026.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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As Michigan’s race for governor heats up, candidates are finally taking part in forums, scheduling debates, and sharpening their campaign messages.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Criminal charges tied to a controversial $20 million state grant and renewed battles over petition signatures in Michigan’s governor’s race.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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In Michigan’s much-watched open 35th Senate district special election, Democrat Chedrick Greene wins the Mid-Michigan race as Dems hold onto their Senate majority.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin makes headlines with a visit to Iowa, big campaign funds boost Mike Rogers, and what’s up with John James gubernatorial campaign.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Calling the state capitol “one of the most dysfunctional places” in America, Democratic State Rep. Alabas Farhat joins the pod for a candid conversation about the challenges facing Lansing
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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We are two months away from the special election that will determine the functional make-up of the state Senate. The 35th Senate district election is an important race that has folks in Lansing wondering what comes next.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Can former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan win Michigan’s governor race as an independent? We break down his rise, Michigan’s swing voters, and the possible shake-up of two-party politics.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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A ballot proposal to tax the wealthy folds, Michigan’s “fake electors” threaten a lawsuit, and could future primary election dates change? It’s a Lansing roundup edition of It’s Just Politics.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing to repeal the state’s new, controversial 24% wholesale marijuana tax, even as the cannabis industry challenges it in court. An update on all things weed in Michigan.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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A new Michigan poll reveals where voters stand on data centers, the 2026 governor’s race, and how the state compares nationally on key economic measures.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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What’s in the proof-of-citizenship and voter ID ballot proposal, and what is the state of the state budget as Governor Whitmer prepares for her final State of the State address.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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An inside look at the proposals aiming for Michigan’s November ballot - from property taxes and school funding to voter ID and minimum wage - and where the campaigns stand now.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Michigan bans smartphones in classrooms starting next school year - what the new bipartisan law does and doesn’t do. Plus, Perry Johnson on entering the GOP primary for governor, Trump, and his pitch to voters.
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Michigan’s U.S. Senate race draws national attention as Democrats face a competitive primary and a key state Senate race in the 35th District could have big consequences in Lansing.
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What the surprising Detroit News deal means for Michigan journalism. Plus a breakdown of the high-stakes 35th Senate District special election. Plus, voters head into a pivotal 35th Senate District race.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Michigan Republican Speaker of the House Matt Hall discusses his 2026 policy priorities, independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan and support for a Constitutional Convention.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Politics in Michigan just got more interesting as Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist changes statewide races. Plus a conversation with the Michigan Senate Majority Leader on what can actually get done this year in Lansing with divided government.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Big elections. Bigger fights. And maybe a rewritten state constitution? A look ahead to a pivotal year in Michigan politics.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker of the House Matt Hall, and Attorney General Dana Nessel all made news in 2025. A look back at the year in Michigan politics… and what’s in store in the year to come.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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It’s the question folks in Michigan - and across the country - are continually asking: Is Governor Gretchen Whitmer going to run for president in 2028?
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Wondering why data centers are suddenly everywhere in the news? We’ll break it down. Plus, why the backlash isn’t falling along the usual party lines and what Michigan can learn from how voters in other states have responded at the ballot box.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed laws yesterday that put new rules in place over how, and when, lawmakers can request earmarks - otherwise known as pork-barrel spending. But, will it really add transparency to Lansing’s budget process? Plus, Republican lawmakers ask for federal oversight of Michigan’s 2026 elections.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Democrats across the state - and around the country - are asking why eight Senators who caucus with Democrats sided with Republicans to reopen the government. Former Michigan Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee breaks down the surprising vote.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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In a post-election 2025 show, what the new incoming mayor of Detroit can take away from Mike Duggan’s twelve years in office that reshaped Lansing’s relationship with the state’s largest city. Plus, Michigan is in the middle of a legal standoff with the federal government over voter-data privacy.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Michigan has ended its multi-billion dollar deal with Chinese-backed Gotion. What went wrong and what’s next for economic development policy in Lansing. Plus, the latest on “The 9 Bills.”
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Petition signature gatherers can lie to you about what’s in the petition you’re signing. New legislation aims to curb fraud in the petition signature gathering process. Plus, lawmakers look to throw the legal cannabis industry a bone after passing the new 24 percent wholesale tax on marijuana.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Michigan’s latest education budget may boast record funding, but school leaders say it’s not enough. Plus, “Groundhog Day” at the U.S. Capitol. Where is Michigan’s Congressional delegation in the federal shutdown?
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Governor Whitmer signs Michigan’s $80 billion budget, but a new 24% marijuana tax to fund roads is already in legal trouble. Hear from Michigan Budget Director Jen Flood & legal expert Robert LaBrant.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Michigan lawmakers approve a plan to fund state government for another week as they finalize a spending agreement for the new fiscal year. The state’s previous budget had run out at midnight and questions abound: was the state government shutdown temporarily or not? And, when will a permanent budget actually get passed?
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan lawmakers have one week to come up with a budget deal. If they don’t there will be partial state government shutdown. What do voters think about the stalemate in Lansing? And who will they blame if there’s a shutdown? Pollster Richard Czuba, founder of Glengariff Group, has answers.
by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer warns that the budget deadlock at the state Capitol will worsen Michigan’s economic uncertainty caused by federal tariffs. With just two weeks until a possible state government shutdown, what could a shutdown mean for Michigan’s already shaky economy?
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Michigan ‘fake electors’ charges dismissed, ‘nine bills’ lawsuit is back in court, and three weeks before a possible partial government shutdown, a budget deal doesn’t appear close. It’s a Michigan politics roundup on this week’s It’s Just Politics.
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With exactly four weeks before a possible partial state government shutdown, the question hanging over Lansing remains: where do things stand in state budget negotiations? The chairs of the state House and Senate appropriations committees try to answer that question.
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There is a huge decision facing Michigan voters in an already huge 2026 election: whether to vote to convene a constitutional convention to rewrite the state’s entire constitution. What to know about the Con-Con.
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A live, onstage conversation with Pete Buttigieg, former South Bend mayor, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and current Michigan resident. The former Democratic presidential candidate discusses the deep divisions in American society, the future of his party, and the enormous - and not necessarily comprehensible - impact of artificial intelligence.
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We are into week six of seemingly stalled budget negotiations in Lansing. Six weeks since K-12 schools, higher ed, and some local governments started their fiscal years without knowing how much state money they’ll receive. What is going on at the state Capitol?
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Detroit voters have chosen City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. to move forward to November’s general election in the race to become the city’s next mayor. Plus, a majority of local Michigan officials think the state is on the wrong track.
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Eye-raising fundraising numbers are released in Michigan’s 2026 race for governor. Plus, President Trump puts his thumb on Michigan’s political scale in the GOP primary race for U.S. Senate.
by Zoe Clark, Rick Pluta
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Three weeks since the July 1st statutory deadline and there is still no budget deal in Lansing. Two lawmakers discuss where things stand in the negotiations: “the span between our budgets right now is about as big as the Mackinac Bridge.”
by Zoe Clark, Rick Pluta
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July 2025. We are now halfway through the year. On today’s It’s Just Politics, a look at the top three Michigan political stories of the year. So far.
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It wasn’t just a state budget that the legislature didn’t get done before leaving the Capitol last week, there still isn’t a deal on road funding. What happens next? Plus, a month to go before Detroit’s mayoral primary.
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The legal deadline for the Michigan Legislature to pass a budget came and went Tuesday. And the Democratic Senate and Republican House remain miles apart. Plus, a search warrant at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
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There’s a lot of anticipation, waiting and, maybe, negotiating at the state Capitol as the Republican-led House and the Democratic-controlled Senate go down to the wire in budget negotiations with a statutory deadline of July 1st.
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Tom Leonard, former Speaker of the Michigan House, is the latest Republican to jump into Michigan’s open gubernatorial race. He joins It’s Just Politics this week. Plus, Stephen Henderson and Nolan Finley discuss their new book focusing on civility.
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Concerns are mounting in Lansing over whether a state budget will get done by a July 1st statutory deadline. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: a frank and honest conversation with four bipartisan lawmakers about what is - or isn’t happening - at the state Capitol.
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The DeVos political machine is back after announcing that they are publicly reengaging in Michigan politics. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: what to expect from the DeVos family ahead of Election 2026.
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As more than 1,500 business leaders, lawmakers, lobbyists and philanthropists meet on Mackinac Island for the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, new election 2026 polling is released.
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Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was in the news quite a bit this week - for all the wrong reasons. Plus, the political volleying over economic incentives for big business continues in Michigan.
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In new budget transparency in Lansing, nearly 800 earmark requests from state House lawmakers are made public. What’s in the $4 billion dollars? Plus, a new ballot campaign wants to make Michigan a rank choice voting state.
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The takeaway from conversations with 100 Michiganders on where things stand politically and Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt joins It’s Just Politics to discuss his run for governor in 2026.
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The complicated relationship between Governor Gretchen Whitmer and President Donald Trump was on full display again this week in Michigan. Whitmer joins It’s Just Politics as the fascinatingly transnational alliance between the governor and the president evolves.
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A Michigan ballot campaign that would require residents to show proof of citizenship while registering to vote could start collecting signatures soon. Plus, a conversation with Democratic candidate for governor Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
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The Republican-led Michigan House Oversight Committee has authorized a subpoena targeting Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta look into the rare use of a subpoena in Lansing. Plus, former Republican Attorney General Mike Cox announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026.
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Lawmakers are heading back to the state Capitol from their spring recess after the first three months of divided power in Lansing. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take a look at what was done in the first 90 days. Plus, Republican Congressman John James announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026.
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Nine bills passed in last session’s legislature remain in legislative limbo as House Republicans defy a court ruling to send the bills to Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to sign or veto. Plus, the latest on Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement.
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Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivers his 12th and final state of the city address as he prepares for his 2026 independent bid for Michigan Governor. Duggan joins It’s Just Politics; plus, the politics surrounding an open Michigan Senate seat.
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Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed six lawsuits and 12 amicus briefs in federal court against President Donald Trump’s controversial Executive Orders. Nessel joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics to explain how she’s determining what suits to file; plus, Nessel looks back on the 11th anniversary this week of her lawsuit in Michigan that helped to make the state’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.
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Michigan’s Democratic Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist announces he’s running for Governor in 2026; plus, Republicans in the Michigan House shock Democrats with the introduction - and quick passage - of a $20 billion dollar budget in Lansing.
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President Donald Trump delivered the first address of his second term to a Joint Session of Congress. Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Republican Congressman Tom Barrett join Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics for their response to the speech and the Democratic response from Michigan’s Senator Elissa Slotkin.
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A Republican state Representative says Michigan lawmakers aren’t working nearly enough and that Lansing is corrupt. He’s introduced a resolution to make the state Legislature part-time. Representative Jim DeSana joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics.
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Michigan Republicans and Democrats gather this weekend to choose their new state party chairs. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta explore the role of the state party chairs and why they matter heading into 2026.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer released her much-anticipated road funding plan this week. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pulta are joined by Bridge Michigan’s Simon Shuster to dig into the $3 billion plan. Plus, John Truscott, former Communications Director for Governor John Engler, explains how to sell a roads plan.
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Michigan has ranked last in a national study of state ethics and transparency laws. But this past week in Lansing, there’s been increased attention to transparency with the state Senate passing bills to open lawmakers and the governor’s office to Freedom of Information Act requests to the introduction of bills that would stop lawmakers from signing non-disclosure agreements. Plus, new rules in the state House would require earmarks be publicly disclosed in the budget process. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, The Detroit News’ Craig Mauger joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta.
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Republicans control the state House. There’s a GOP trifecta in D.C. It seems ripe for Democratic opposition… or is it? On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by two Democrats, Adrian Hemond and Portia Roberson, to explore the Democratic resistance or lack thereof. Plus, where things stand in Ottawa County after the controversial and uber-conservative Ottawa Impact lost their majority on the County Board of Commissioners.
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Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has become the first Democrat to announce in the race for governor. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Benson to discuss her campaign for the state’s highest office. Plus, Matt Friedman joins the pod to discuss a growing trend in campaign announcements.
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The special state House committee formed to amend Michigan’s tipped wage and sick-time leave laws meets for the first time this week in Lansing. The chair of the committee, Republican Representative Bill G. Schuette, joins It’s Just Politics to discuss his goals for the bills. Plus, Mothering Justice’s Danielle Atkinson joins hosts Rick Pluta and Zoe Clark to explain her opposition to changing the laws. And, Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announces he’s running for Governor of Michigan in 2026.
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New and returning lawmakers of the Michigan House were sworn-in today at the state Capitol, marking the beginning of Michigan’s new 103rd Legislature. The state Senate remains under Democratic control but the state House is now being run by Republicans. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: what to expect when you’re expecting divided government. Hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Michigan Public Radio Network’s Colin Jackson and Bridge Michigan’s Lauren Gibbons.
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A new Congress is being sworn-in tomorrow in Washington D.C. That means today is the last day for current members, including Michigan’s long-time Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee. It’s Just Politics host Zoe Clark spoke with the outgoing Representative from Flint about his dozen years in office and whether D.C. is really more House of Cards or Veep.
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Frustration is boiling over at the state Capitol as the final days of Democrats’ complete control of Lansing in 40 years come to an end. Republicans are continuing to boycott votes in the House, a Democratic lawmaker walked out of the Capitol while voting was underway, and state Representatives are taking to social media to vent their anger. On today’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Zach Gorchow, President of Gongwer News Service, to break down the breakdown in Lansing.
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2025 will be a monumental year in Detroit politics as Mayor Mike Duggan seeks to run for governor, leaving an open seat for the highest office in the state’s largest city next year. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Stephen Henderson, host of American Black Journal, and Nancy Kaffer, editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press to dig into Duggan’s legacy, Detroit’s political landscape and the ten-year anniversary of the city emergency from bankruptcy.
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On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark is joined by Democrat Felicia Brabec and Republican Graham Filler, two outgoing Michigan state Representatives, to talk about what their time in Lansing was really like: frustrations, surprises and what voters should know about the state Capitol.
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On this week’s It’s Just Politics, hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Bridge Michigan politics reporters Jordyn Hermani and Simon Schuster to discuss why state House Democrats are failing to deliver their lame-duck legislative agenda. Plus, a conversation with state Democratic Representative Rachel Hood on why she is calling Lansing “toxic.”
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On this week’s It’s Just Politics, hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Democratic Congresswoman-elect Kristen McDonald Rivet, the only incoming Democratic freshman from Michigan. Plus, Chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party Vance Patrick joins the podcast to talk about his strategy of ‘losing less’ in a blue county.
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In a special Friday edition of It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by outgoing Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee and incoming Republican Congressman-elect Tom Barrett. Rep. Kildee is leaving Washington D.C. after a dozen years in Congress and Barrett just won his first Congressional race Tuesday night.
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In a special day-after Election Day, It’s Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta join Stateside host April Baer to dissect what Election 2024 means for Michigan. From Republicans taking the state House to a new 5-2 Democratic-nominee majority on the state Supreme Court, the podcast this week is dedicated to local races and what the results mean for you.
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Two percent of Michigan voters remain undecided in the race for president according to new polling by Glengariff Group for The Detroit News and WDIV. With a race that has consistently shown Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump within the margin of error, two percent could make all the difference in winning Michigan’s 15 electoral votes and the White House. Former Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and Michigan Chair of the Republican Party Pete Hoekstra both joined Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics for conversations on how both parties are trying to convince undecided votes in the final days of Election 2024.
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On this week’s It’s Just Politics,Elon Musk name checks Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on X, more than a million absentee ballots in Michigan are already sent in and the presidential candidates in Michigan are everywhere all at once. Plus, a surprising endorsement from Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined on this week’s podcast by Bridge Michigan’s Lauren Gibbons and the Detroit Free Press’ Clara Hendrickson.
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If you ask Americans if they are concerned that there will be fraud in this year’s election a majority will say yes. That’s according to new polling from NPR/PBS News and Marist. And if you break it down by party, 86 percent of Republicans say they are concerned while 33 percent of Democrats say they’re concerned. A new bipartisan group, the Democracy Defense Project, is trying to reassure voters’ in swing states that voting is safe and secure and in Michigan, former Governors John Engler and Jim Blanchard are taking up the mantle. The Republican and Democrat joined It’s Just Politics with Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta this week. And, Capitol reporter Colin Jackson shares one way to combat election misinformation.
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Michigan’s open Senate race will help to determine the makeup of the U.S. Senate next year and right now the polling shows it’s a tied race. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by The Detroit News Politics Editor Chad Livengood and Detroit Free Press Politics Editor Emily Lawler to debrief on this week’s U.S. Senate debate between Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers and look at where the campaigns stand with less than a month before Election Day.
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On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by WDET’s Stephen Henderson and Bitely Communications Andrea Bitely to dig into the Vice Presidential debate between Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz; plus Interlochen Public Radio’s Ed Ronco breaks down a state House race in Northern Michigan that could have big impact in determining whether Democrats keep control in Lansing.
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Absentee ballots go out in mail this week to Michigan voters who have requested them. Chris Thomas, Michigan’s former long-time Elections Director, joins It’s Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta to answer your questions about absentee balloting in Michigan; plus what a new nationwide survey of consumers could tell us about November’s presidential election results.
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Michigan’s entire state House of Representatives is up for election this cycle and Democrats are hoping to keep control of the chamber and their control of Lansing. Bridge Michigan Capitol Reporters Jordyn Hermani and Simon Schuster join It’s Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta as they take a look at what’s at stake in Lansing in Election 2024.
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It’s Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta debrief with Michigan Public’s Adam Yahya Rayes about last night’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump and ask: do presidential debates actually change voters’ minds? Plus, how the state of Michigan came to own the blueprints for the World Trade Center.
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A judge ruled this week that Robert F. Kennedy Junior’s name will remain on the Michigan ballot as the presidential candidate for the Natural Law Party. Will RFK Jr., Jill Stein and Cornel West be 2024’s election spoilers? Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta speak with Brooking Institution’s Elaine Kamarck, author of “Primary Politics: Everything You Need to Know About How America Nominates Its Presidential Candidates” about the role of third parties this election cycle.
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A conversation with University of Michigan Ford School Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes and Professor Jenna Bednar about the 50th anniversary of Gerald R. Ford becoming President of the United States.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell join It’s Just Politics from Chicago and a look at former President Donald Trump’s trip to Livingston County, MI this week.
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New polling shows voters trust Harris over Trump on the economy. What’s changed?
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A conversation with pollster Richard Czuba about what Michigan’s primary results mean for November.
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A new report says Michigan would be hit particularly hard if Congress doesn’t increase the debt ceiling plus, the latest on state budget bills.
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A conversation with a Democratic lawmaker on bills to expand hate-crime laws in Michigan and Governor Gretchen Whtimer is named co-chair of President Biden’s reelection campaign; the political roundtable joins to discuss.
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A new report says Michigan had the highest youth voter turnout numbers in the nation last November. What’s behind the increase? Plus, a repeal of the state’s ban on unmarried men and women living together.
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More gun safety legislation is passing at the Capitol. The state House passed extreme risk protection order laws, also known as ‘red flag laws.’ But how exactly do they work and who do they protect?
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The political roundtable discusses the repeal of the state’s 1931 abortion law, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ visit to Michigan, and the charges against a former Republican Speaker of the House.
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Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin talks about her new gun violence prevention bills; plus Governor Whitmer stays low-key on the recent repeal of “Right-to-Work.”
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The political roundtable discusses the future of the ‘new’ Michigan Republican Party after comparing gun-safety legislation to Nazi Germany.
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The political roundtable digs into the economic impact of Right-to-Work over the past decade.
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Guns, abortion, civil rights and a tax overhaul were all on the agenda at the state Capitol this week. It’s Just Politics breaks down a historic week in Lansing. Plus, new polling on gun safety legislation.
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The It’s Just Politics political roundtable discusses the week in Michigan politics as lawmakers hold hearings on new gun safety bills and Senators vote to add LGBTQ protections to the state’s civil rights act.
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The It’s Just Politics political roundtable discusses where Michigan lawmakers stand on new gun safety bills and how an election-denier is now running the Michigan Republican Party.
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What does it mean that an election-denier is the new head of the Michigan Republican Party?
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A conversation with the head of the Legislative Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus; plus how Michigan voters feel about gun safety measures.
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A conversation with the State’s Budget Director Chris Harkins and Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt
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An inside look at the week in Michigan Politics with our It's Just Politics Friday roundtable.
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What proposals will lawmakers pass from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address?
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A conversation with Democratic and Republican lawmakers on how best to use the state’s new $9 billion surplus.
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A conversation with our political roundtable of Capitol reporters about the first week in Lansing under Democratic control.
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A conversation with new Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and a look at the week’s political news with our Friday roundtable.
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This new year means a new Legislature in Michigan and there are a lot of new faces. We take a look at who’s coming into Lansing for the new legislative term.
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Midwestern Democrats who won big in 2022 think their message can help them win nationwide.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs an executive directive to make sure state government is ready to comply with the state’s new abortion-rights amendment. Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is suing the state Legislature over funding. And the future of the state’s minimum wage and paid sick leave laws is argued in the Michigan Court of Appeals. Michigan Public Radio Network’s Senior Capitol Correspondent Rick Pluta and Detroit Free Press politics reporter Clara Hendrickson join It’s Just Politics host Zoe Clark for a look at the week in political news in Michigan.
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MI Senator Gary Peters on keeping the U.S. Senate in Democratic hands and the latest on Lansing’s lame-duck legislative session
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Michigan’s minimum wage is set to go up in 2023 but the exact amount could be up to the courts. That’s after a judge found the Republican Legislature’s so-called ‘adopt and amend’ strategy to be unconstitutional.
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A big change could be in store for when Michigan gets to choose a presidential nominee. President Biden comes for another visit to Michigan. A shake-up in the Whitmer Administration before the second term begins. And, lawmakers in Lansing are eyeing the final days of their lame-duck session.
MLive politics reporters Jordyn Hermani and Simon Schuster join It’s Just Politics host Zoe Clark for a look at the week in political news in Michigan.
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Michigan is trying once again to move in front of Iowa and New Hampshire on the presidential primary calendar. And Republicans and Democrats in Lansing are taking steps to show the Democratic National Committee they’re serious about helping to decide the country’s next presidential nominees.
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Elizabeth Clement is the new chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. She was chosen this week in a closed-door meeting of the justices.
Clement — who was named to the court in 2017 by Republican Governor Rick Snyder — has shown an independent streak.
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Second terms as Governor in Michigan are different. There isn’t the pressure of knowing you’ve got to run again for reelection in four years. So how’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer thinking about her second term? Today we talk to Gov. Whitmer about what comes next.
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A lot has been made since last week about redistricting in Michigan and the fact that new, independently drawn maps helped Democrats win both the state House and Senate for the first time in nearly 40 years. We’ll take a look at how redistricting is reshaping Lansing on this episode.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Attorney General Dana Nessel all cruise to reelection and for the first time in nearly forty years both chambers of the Michigan Legislature - the state House and state Senate - will be controlled by Democrats. Plus voters approve with big margins the addition of abortion rights and voting rights into the state Constitution and change term limits in the state.
GUESTS ON TODAY’S SHOW:
- Rick Pluta, co-host of It’s Just Politics, and Senior Capitol Correspondent for the MPRN
- Emily Lawler, politics editor at the Detroit Free Press
- Tim Alberta, author of "American Carnage" and writer at The Atlantic
- Jason Roe, former Executive Director of the Michigan Republican Party
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A county clerk explains what happens if your vote is challenged at the polls, and the It's Just Politics panel answers your questions about about election day.
GUESTS:
- Justin Roebuck, Ottawa County Clerk
- Rick Pluta, co-host of It’s Just Politics, and Senior Capitol Correspondent for the MPRN
- Clara Hendrickson, Politics Reporter, Detroit Free Press
- Chad Livengood, Politics Editor, The Detroit News
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Host Zoe Clark sits down with Clara Hendrickson of Detroit Free Press to talk about what could possibly happen at the polls come Nov. 8. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently said she and secretaries of state across the country are most worried about, “violence and disruption on election day… and in the days surrounding the election.”
On Oct. 25, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Tudor Dixon met on the debate stage one last time before Election Day. Clark talked to a panel about what happened during the debate and whether or not it will have an affect on the outcome of the election. Then the panel dug into what to expect from former President Barack Obama's Saturday rally in Detroit as he campaigns for Whitmer. Then, we discussed a report from CNN about some racist remarks Dixon made back in 2020.
Get your 2022 election questions answered here!
GUESTS:
- Clara Hendrickson, politics reporter, Detroit Free Press
- Rick Pluta, co-host of It’s Just Politics and senior capitol correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network
- Alexis Wiley, founder of Moment Strategies
- Rich Czuba, founder and pollster of the survey research firm, Glengarriff Group
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As we inch closer to the midterms, we turn our focus to key Congressional races happening in Michigan. On today's pod, we talk to with state Sen. Tom Barrett. Then guest host Colin Jackson helms the show to talk about the competitive down-ballot races.
GUESTS:
- Samuel J. Robinson, Detroit local reporter for Axios
- Alyssa McMurty, reporter at Gongwer News Service
- Alyssa Burr, political reporter for MLive
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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.
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On today’s show we examined the race in Michigan’s newly drawn 7th Congressional District. Several money tracking firms have named the race between incumbent Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and Republican State Sen. Tom Barrett as the most expensive congressional races in the country when it comes to outside spending. Host Zoe Clark talked to Rep. Elissa Slotkin about what it is like to be a representative in a swing district during a time when the country feels more divided than ever.
After that, we were joined by a panel of reporters to discuss Thursday night's governor candidates debate between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Tudor Dixon. We broke down what happened, what was said and what to expect when the two candidates meet next on the debate stage on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
There are 24 days until the election.
GUESTS ON TODAY’S SHOW:
- Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Democrat representing the 8th Congressional District and candidate for the newly-drawn 7th Congressional District
- Laura Weber-Davis, executive producer for Stateside and former Michigan Public Radio Network’s capitol reporter
- Simon Schuster, political reporter for MLive
- Mara MacDonald, reporter for WDIV Local 4
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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.
Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate
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With about a month to go in the campaign season, the It’s Just Politics crew zooms in on one of the three proposals on the ballot: Proposal 1 on legislature term limits and financial disclosures.
GUESTS:
- Jason Roe, senior advisor for Voters for Transparency and Term Limits
- Patrick Anderson, CEO of Anderson Economic Group
- Dave Boucher, state government and politics reporter, Detroit Free Press
- Stephen Henderson, host of Detroit Today, WDET
- Nolan Finley, editorial page editor of The Detroit News
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.
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Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions
Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate
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We are 39 days away from election day and there's a lot going on in Michigan politics this week.
On today's It's Just Politics, we speak with the Ottawa County Clerk about how the absentee voting process is going and get some of your questions answered.
We'll also get into news from Lansing. The state legislature was busy this week during what is likely to be their last voting day before the November election. They passed new bipartisan election bills and a billion dollars in new spending. So, where's all that money going?!
And finally, we'll talk about former President Donald Trump's upcoming visit. He'll be back in Michigan this Saturday holding a rally in Macomb Count with the Republican candidates he's endorsed for statewide office.
GUESTS:
- Zach Gorchow, executive editor & publisher, Gongwer News Service
- Clara Hendrickson, politics reporter, Detroit Free Press
- Jordyn Hermani, politics reporter, MLive
- Justin Roebuck, Ottawa County Clerk
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Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions
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Tudor Dixon and fellow Republicans give their reaction to the state superintendent advising that teachers do not disclose the gender identity to their students’ parents, and old writing from congressional candidate, John Gibbs says he thought women should not be able to vote.
GUESTS:
Jonathan Oosting, capitol and politics reporter for Bridge Michigan
Samuel J. Robinson, Detroit-based reporter for Axios
Nancy Kaffer, columnist for Detroit Free Press
Katelyn Buss, assistant editorial page editor for Detroit News
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Politics can be messy. Politics can be confusing. But, that certainly doesn't mean politics can't be a joy-ride. Join It's Just Politics host Zoe Clark as she drills down on what’s happening in Michigan politics.
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