Follow the Money

This week’s guest: House Ethics Committee Chair Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn). Michigan has some of the weakest government ethics and openness laws in the nation. After years of empty promises, Democrats in the Legislature are moving on a comprehensive reform package. Joining the podcast is the chair of the state House Ethics Committee, Dearborn Representative Erin Byrnes. After weeks of a U.S. Senate race with just one prominent candidate, both parties are seeing some movement. Detroiter Hill Harper has launched his pre-announcement campaign for the Democratic primary; a former Congressman and Wall Street millionaire are moving towards running on the Republican side. The national drumbeat for a Whitmer presidential campaign continues to build, even as the Governor firmly commits to backing President BIden’s reelection. And we’ve got some interesting developments in two of Michigan’s most closely contested congressional districts. =========================== This week’s podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals – Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals – Issue Advocacy Research • Community – Media Relations • Issue – Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== News Stories We’re Following This Week Michigan Policy and Politics Insider: Lawmakers say ‘pieces in place’ for transparency overhaul – Detroit News Actor Hill Harper poised to challenge Slotkin in Michigan Senate primary – POLITICO Michigan Senate Race Poised to Draw More Candidates Soon – Time GOP former congressman eyeing Michigan U.S. Senate seat – Detroit News Michigan Democrats move to remove GOP Senate candidate from party – Detroit News Hertel resigns as Whitmer legislative affairs director, fueling speculation of congressional run ⋆ Michigan Advance Kristina Karamo feuds with co-chair, as Michigan Republican civil war worsens – Bridge Michigan Ex-Michigan GOP budget chair: Karamo opposed party spending limits – Detroit News Prosecutor describes ‘multiple crimes’ in Michigan voting equipment probe – Detroit News Moms for Liberty’s focus on school races nationwide sets up political clash with teachers unions – AP News Democrats’ new primary calendar remains unresolved. The party insists that’s OK – AP News The D.N.C. Has a Primary Problem – The New York Times Macomb County, Prosecutor Peter Lucido hit with discrimination lawsuit – Detroit Free Press Critic of Chinese battery plant once lobbied for Chinese company – Detroit News Why Not Whitmer? – The Atlantic Why Gretchen Whitmer Has What It Takes for a White House Run – Vanity Fair Bypassing Biden: Democrats Think of What Could Have Been – POLITICO Biden’s hydrogen bombshell leaves Europe in the dust – POLITICO National Policy and Politics Biden versus the bad news bros (Economic Fakerism) – New York Times Republican opposition to LGBTQ rights erupts in backlash to Pride month – The Washington Post The Supreme Court rejects Biden’s plan to wipe away $400 billion in student loan debt – WILX TV FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Provide Debt Relief and Support for Student Loan Borrowers – The White House Poll: 61% support Biden’s Student Loan Debt Relief Plan – Data for Progress Voters Not Happy with SCOTUS – Data for Progress Ex-GOP Ohio House speaker sentenced to 20 years for role in $60M bribery scheme; appeal expected – AP News The Mysterious Case of the Fake Gay Marriage Website, the Real Straight Man, and the Supreme Court – The New Republic Judge limits Biden administration in working with social media companies – AP News Trump-appointed judge botches facts – The Washington Post Supreme Court’s term showed conservative power, Roberts in control – The Washington Post One Year After Dobbs, Abortion Access Is as Important as Ever – Data for Progress The pandemic-era voting shift that is here to stay – POLITICO Former congressman Mondaire Jones launches bid to reclaim his New York seat – The Washington Post Supreme Court redistricting rulings could add Democratic seats in Louisiana, Alabama – The Washington Post Pragmatic, swing district House Republicans push back on agenda – The Washington Post