Analysis of political issues in Grand Rapids, Michigan and nationwide by the staff of The Grand Rapids Press.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics, Ed and Jeff discuss competing plans to reduce the federal budget deficit and a compromise on the pension tax proposal in Michigan.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about state GOP leaders' 90-day update, the federal budget standoff and changes in city of Grand Rapids' garbage policies and incentives to boost recycling.
Everyone knows two things off limits for casual conversation are politics and religion so on this week's Talking Michigan Politics, Ed and Jeff take on U.S. Rep. Justin Amash's opposition to U.S. military action in Libya, state tax policy and the controversy sparked by the Rev. Rob Bell about whether there is a Hell.
And buzz is building about at Grand Rapids casino.
Collective bargaining's fate in Michigan, the GOP's future resting with Hispanic voters and tweaks in the state budget, on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, state budget director John Nixon answers questions about the bold cuts and tax changes he and Gov. Rick Snyder have proposed. Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder also discuss the legislative proposal that would enable a vote to merge Kent County and Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Public Schools Supt. Bernard Taylor's possible departure for a post in Syracuse.
The future of offshore oil drilling in the wake of the investigation of the BP Gulf spill. Can Grand Rapids and Kent County become one? And President Obama changes directions on gay marriage on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast.
Gov. Rick Snyder answered some questions about the controversial and ambitious budget he laid out Thursday before lawmakers in Lansing.
Budget matters, both in Michigan and the nation, dominate this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
Congressman Justin Amash's vote against the Patriot Act, the highly anticipated major spending cuts in Michigan government becomes public next week and how the State of the City address provoked debate about what God's name is on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast.
What cuts to expect in Gov. Rick Snyder’s bold budget, the future of the national health care law, and a Grand Rapids-Kent County metro government proposal on this week’s Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder:
In a special Talking Michigan Politics podcast recorded after Gov. Rick Snyder addressed the Michigan Press Association in Detroit, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:
What did we learn from the State of the Union and reaction; examining mental health in the wake of Arizona shootings; and what to expect in a radically different Michigan state budget on this week's Talking Michigan Politics with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
Analysis of Gov. Rick Snyder's first State of the State address, a look at President Obama's approval two years in, and "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
President Obama's speech in Tucson is the topic of a special edition of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss the fallout from the deadly shooting rampage in Arizona, a preview of Gov. Rick Snyder's State of the State address and how development is progressing in downtown Grand Rapids.
Pure Michigan, Gov. Rick Snyder's call for shared sacrifice, media pros disclosing personal information, the Navy commander scandal and more on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Valley State University's Matt McLogan joins Press political editor Jeff Cranson to talk about Gov. Rick Snyder's bold ambitions, Michele Bachmann's visits to Grand Rapids and Troy and what to expect from Michigan's Congressional delegation in the new session.
On a special edition of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Michigan Gov.-elect Rick Snyder talks about his ambitious plans for 2011, his tax restructuring plan and his hope to work with people in the center and not spend time on the extremes.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss Gov. Jennifer Granholm's legacy, Michele Bachmann's visit to Grand Rapids, the Census release. Conversation starters this week focus on ways parents try to preserve Santa for kids and a tribute to Eloise Johnson, patron saint of music in Grand Rapids.
Why Democrats are praising Rick Snyder, Rep. Ehlers votes to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell
President Obama in the middle, Michigan's lame-duck Legislature and a Grand Rapids mayor's bid for a third term on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
Podcast crew also discusses surprises by Governor-elect Rick Snyder and lame-duck lawmakers.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics, Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss President Carter's statements about Fox News, upcoming races for Grand Rapids mayor and the U.S. Senate, the unemployment benefits extension, former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Betty Weaver being censured, the early battle for Michigan GOP chairman, more people supporting auto bailouts and the TSA's "Don't touch my junk" dilemma.
Nancy Pelosi's woes, tax talk in Lansing and Washington, Bloomberg-Scarborough for president, what gives a city soul and more on this week's Talking Michigan Politics with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder:
This week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast: Surveys provide surprising findings on Tea Partiers and trade agreements; a Christian roommates controversy in Grand Rapids, and Rick Snyder's first moves as governor-elect.
On this week's post-election Talking Michigan Politics podcast, demographics analyst Peter Bratt joins Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder to talk about Tuesday's election results.
GVSU's Matt McLogan joins Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder for the final Talking Michigan Politics podcast before Tuesday's mid-term elections. Topics include: Clinton, Bernero event fails to draw The Rand Paul supporter head stomp Turnout China's role in political races
Christine O'Donnell sets us straight on the Constitution, more news on hidden campaign contributions, and whether Glenn Beck contributed to a gunman's rage on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast.
An interview with GOP candidate for governor, Rick Snyder; analysis of his debate with Democrat Virg Bernero; the tight race for Kent County's 29th Senate district are topics on this week's Talking Michigan Politics with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
Gay bashing at military funerals and free speech, a radical center/third party movement in 2012 and China as an issue in the 3rd Congressional race on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
How China makes its way into Michigan politics, gay bashing by a state official and a new national poll that finds Bill Clinton growing in popularity, on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast
Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about the Tea Party and Christine O'Donnell, Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero agreeing to a debate, the 3rd Congressional race and Don't Ask Don't Tell on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast.
On a special edition of Talking Michigan Politics, Grand Rapids Press Political Editor Jeff sits down with Brian Wesbury, chief economist for First Trust Advisors in Wheaton, Ill., frequent guest on CNBC and Fox News, and a contributor to the Wall Street Journal's editorial page. Wesbury keynoted the lunch program at the West Michigan Policy Forum in Grand Rapids on Thursday.
Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about Tea Party victories, Rick Snyder-Virg Bernero sharing town hall time and government worker health insurance paying for abortions on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast.
New numbers and a widening gap in the race for governor, a study showing Republican primary turnout surging while it declines for Democrats and the anniversary of President Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon on this week's Talking Michigan Politics with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
This week on the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder ruminate on November races, Democratic control of the Michigan Supreme Court, growing misconceptions about the president and manufacturing's resurgence in Southern states.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver's stunning decision to resign; Rick Snyder's running mate pick and libertarian billionaire Koch brothers and their role in the Tea Party movement.
Tea partiers facing off in court, exploring a path to victory for Virg Bernero, and the mosque proposed two blocks from Ground Zero on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder. Will the real Tea Party please stand up? Despite claims there is no organized Tea Party, per se, a group of people involved in "the movement" have enlisted the state's foremost elections law gunslinger to challenge the organization they say filed fake Tea Party candidates to dilute the GOP vote in November. How does Bernero close a 19-point gap by Nov. 2? A poll telegraphed on last week's podcast indeed became public Thursday and showed GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder with an early and commanding lead. Most pundits expect many of the independents who helped Snyder win the GOP nomination to stay with him in November. Talk also focuses on running mates and names being floated on both sides ahead of the conventions at the end of the month. An Islamic center two blocks from Ground Zero. An intellectual case can be made for allowing the center, but many are conflicted. How this benediction from George Washington applies today: "May the children of the stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants, while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid." Conversation starters: • Ed on why AAA is worried that dogs in cars can kill. • Jeff on people who turn on the water and just let it run. Author Peter Annin makes the case in Great Lakes Water Wars that others in the country and the world think we take water for granted in this part of the country. Then again, it's no wonder when water costs about .03 cents a gallon in Grand Rapids.
Running mates for Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero and Grand Rapids says no to backyard chickens on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder. 1. The running mate sweepstakes. Lots of names on both sides. And GOP candidate Rick Snyder, either has a number of fans of the Washington Post's "The Fix" column , or his campaign staff is working overtime to pump up their results in the column's unscientific daily poll. Meanwhile, the debate about debates has begun in earnest with Democratic candidate Virg Bernero calling for at least eight. As expected, Snyder had the out-of-the-gate lead in the first poll. 2. Should tax cuts stay or go? Debate over continuing Bush tax cuts. 3. City commissioners chicken out. In a surprise move Tuesday, Grand Rapids city commissioners killed an ordinance that would have allowed residents to raise chickens in their backyards. People currently harboring the birds have until Oct. 1 to find new homes.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder and GVSU's Matt McLogan analyze Tuesday night's primary election results. 1. Governor's race. What's it all mean? Did voters send a clear message with support for Rick Snyder or was it just good strategy dividing up the GOP base between Hoekstra and Cox? Snyder stunned observers by carrying most of the state outside the counties (see map) in Pete Hoekstra's Congressional district and a few scattered in other places. 2. The Congressional races. How did Bill Huizenga pull it off in the Lakeshore's sprawling 2nd district after being out-raised and out-spent? What kind of money and outside groups will be involved in the fall race between Justin Amash and Patrick Miles Jr.? 3. Local Senate and state House races. Results in the Grand Rapids-based 29th District set up a good general election battle between Republican Dave Hildenbrand and Democrat David LaGrand. Also, analysis of the 72nd, 75th and 86th state House races.
On a special, and brief, edition of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss: • The latest polls in the governor's race and how Rick Snyder has pulled ahead, however slightly. It's the first time the Ann Arbor businessman has led in major polls since his campaign began early last year. • A controversial group already running ads targeting Peter Hoekstra in the governor's race is now doing mailings attacking a candidate in the Grand Rapids-based 3rd Congressional district. Who is funding Americans for Jobs Security and why are they involved in this race?
Is Virg Bernero pulling ahead in the Democratic race for governor? On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder and GVSU's Matt McLogan discuss that race, analyze Congressional and state legislative races and voter turnout projections. Governor's race Polls show Democratic Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has overcome and is leading House Speaker Andy Dillon in myriad parts of the state. How is his populist message resonating? On the Republican side, Attorney General Mike Cox took more hits from the Manoogian Mansion-stripper story that won't go away, but his support remains strong. Meanwhile, Rick Snyder may be surging in other polls. Other races: Analysis and some predictions in 2nd and 3rd Congressional, 29th and 30th state Senate and state House districts: 72, 73, 75, 77, 86 and 89. Voter turnout The Secretary of State's office projects 1.7 million people will vote Tuesday, which would be about 23 percent. That's based on absentee ballot returns and past primary election turnout. In 1982 and 2002, the last times there were multi-candidate primaries in both parties, turnout was 29 percent and 25 percent respectively. Will the Tea Party have an impact in some specifically targeted U.S. House races?
New polls in the governor's race, Club for Growth attack ads and voter turnout are the topics on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Jeff Cranson, political editor at the Grand Rapids Press and Matt McLogan, vice president of university relations for Grand Valley State University.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, recorded in a quieter setting, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss whether people pining for Ronald Reagan truly understand how he governed, campaign finance lawsuits, new developments in the race for governor of Michigan, and what it means for Gov. Granholm that President Obama is making a stop in Holland:
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press politics editor Jeff Cranson and editorial page editor Ed Golder talk about money in the governor's race, a case before the state Supreme Court concerning allegations of Meijer secretly promoting the recall of township officials near Traverse City, and Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver bolting the GOP.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss the changing face of the Michigan governor's race, a flurry of endorsements for Grand Rapids-area Congressional candidates, a lawsuit challenging Michigan's campaign finance limits and the patriotism of buying American.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about changing poll numbers in the governor's race and the Democratic debate in Grand Rapids, developments in the 3rd Congressional campaigns, and controversy surrounding film tax credits for the Grand Rapids Hangar42 project. Conversation starters: • Ed on Asian carp making it past the barrier • Jeff on pro-life and pro-choice groups finding common ground in New York as an organization seeks to make adoption a subject at abortion clinics.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about the Michigan Truth Squad, the Michigan governors race and the challenges in remaking the nation's energy policy. Links to topics discussed: • Michigan Truth Squad • A new poll in Michigan's gubernatorial race, and the campaigns feature few promises. • President Obama's Oval Office address on the Gulf spill provokes more energy policy discussion. Jay Hakes, director of the Jimmy Carter Library and former head of the federal Energy Information Office, laid it out in his 2008 book, A Declaration of Energy Independence. Conversation starters: • Ed on the Saville report on Bloody Sunday. • Jeff on the nuclear option to cap the big hole in the bottom of the Gulf.
On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about: Big endorsements in the governor's race: Attorney General Mike Cox picks up the support of Grand Rapids GOP powers Dick and Betsy DeVos, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and possibly Right To Life of Michigan Thursday. Is it quid pro quo with the Chamber and RTL because the DeVoses donate generously to both groups? The Chamber's PACs are building a fund balance to fight a Constitutional Convention proposal on the fall ballot and to protect Justice Robert Young. The DeVos decision to back Cox also may hearken to the Engler-Betsy DeVos divide as U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, despite his West Michigan home and Fox News persona, would be perceived as likely to govern more like Engler than an uncompromising ideologue. Voter frustration: In 1994, the last time the anger meter was pegged this high, Republicans seized control of the U.S. House after a 40-year Democratic reign. Two years before, with similar numbers, West Michigan voters tossed out veteran incumbent U.S. Rep. Guy VanderJagt in favor of a bike-riding GOP businessman named Pete Hoekstra. Just how this kind of voter anger plays out in August primaries and the November election could shape Michigan’s political landscape for years to come. According to an ABC News/Washington Post poll, just 49 percent of Americans approve of their own representative in Congress, first time since 1994 that is has fallen beneath 50 percent. Just 29 percent are inclined to elect their representative, fewest since 1989. Sixty percent are inclined to look for someone else - the most on record. See Sunday's Press. Immigration reform: How does Obama balance his need to woo the burgeoning Hispanic voter population with polls that show most Americans support the Arizona immigration law? Conversation starters: • Ed on Chinese workers are flexing a little muscle, looking to share in the economic growth that has gone mostly to business owners. Has the potential to create a consumer class in China, and perhaps to expand the limits of freedom. • Jeff on Kiplinger's newest top cities list, where Topeka, Kan., cracks the top 10.
On this week's delayed version of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss Thursday's sometimes raucous governor's debate; President George W. Bush's speech in Grand Rapids; and what we can learn from the perfect game that wasn't.
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