5/7/26 - Mike Braun Suspends All Gas Taxes, Niki Kelly on Election Fallout, Deceased Candidate

Today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show opens with a major discussion about Indiana gas taxes after Governor Braun temporarily suspended both the state sales tax and excise tax on gasoline. Kendall argues the move is effectively an admission that the taxes were never truly necessary, revisiting his long-running criticism that Indiana’s gas taxes have functioned as a money grab for years. He points out that despite repeated increases and multiple auto-related taxes already in place, Hoosiers still aren’t seeing the kind of road quality or infrastructure return that would justify the cost. Kendall also questions the timing and reasoning behind Braun’s decision, especially after earlier claims that suspending certain taxes supposedly wasn’t legally possible. He argues the issue isn’t simply high gas prices, but the fact that government leaders continue taking more money because they can. The broader frustration centers on what he sees as a lack of accountability in state government, with taxes and fees constantly increasing while everyday costs continue climbing for Indiana residents. Another major segment reflects on the death of media mogul Ted Turner and the enormous impact he had on American television and pop culture. Kendall walks through Turner’s legacy building TBS, CNN, TNT, and World Championship Wrestling, while also sharing memories of growing up watching Cubs and Braves games during the height of cable television. He frames Turner as one of the most influential and fascinating media figures of the last century, someone whose reach extended across sports, entertainment, news, and broadcasting. The show then returns to the fallout from Indiana’s Senate primaries and the criticism Kendall received over his election coverage. He reiterates that he never supported the incumbents who lost, but argues many challengers also failed to offer specific policy ideas or real solutions for issues like property taxes, utility bills, or government corruption. Kendall pushes back on attacks from national conservative influencers and Turning Point USA figures, saying too much of the political movement is driven by loyalty to personalities rather than concrete plans to improve life for Hoosiers. The episode closes with a broader reflection on the current state of Republican politics both nationally and in Indiana. Kendall argues voters are being asked to choose between establishment politicians and social media-driven political movements, while many of the core problems affecting taxpayers remain unresolved. He emphasizes that his focus remains on government accountability and policy outcomes rather than party loyalty, insisting that simply changing personalities in office means very little without meaningful reform behind it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices