September 3, 2010
Political Feast
The current political feast is made up of two campaigns: one highly public, the other out of view of most voters. | more

•

August 27, 2010
The Politics and Personality of Justice
The Supreme Court soap opera demonstrates the intensely personal and political nature of the application of law. | more

•

August 20, 2010
Governor’s Race: August is not November
In giving the election to Rick Snyder, the conventional wisdom forgets it’s still August.| more

•

August 13, 2010
Playing the Budget Voodoo Alchemy Card
The art, science and politics of resolving Michigan’s budget will require voodoo alchemy. | more

•

August 6, 2010
Voters Reject the Slog
Voters demonstrated their frustration with legislative standoffs, cuts in services and negative campaigning. | more

•

July 30, 2010
Searching for Tuesday’s Answers
What might the primary election results tell us about what will happen in November? | more

•

July 23, 2010
Lessons from the Greatest
Part of the Greatest Generation, Dad knew our leaders needed to show courage and leadership, not scream at one another. | more

•

July 9, 2010
Too Cool to Call
The race for governor has yet to catch fire — or voters’ attention — in the summer heat. | more

•

July 2, 2010
A Dent in the Wall of Distrust
After the report that state government is not trusted much, it produced its biggest accomplishment of 2010. | more

•

June 25, 2010
The Kwame Factor
Kwame Kilpatrick is not running for anything but is definitely on the ballot and a factor in the governor’s race. | more

•

June 18, 2010
Losing the Tax War
Whoever wins the governor’s race must face the fact he will never win in one major area: taxes. | more

•

June 11, 2010
What Do Voters Really Want?
Trying to figure out what voters want produces confusion everywhere one turns. | more

•

June 4, 2010
Island of Public Confession
The lingering question of Mackinac 2010: will public confession finally be good for economic development? | more

•

May 28, 2010
Smothering the Hope of an Early Budget
Lawmakers could still finish the budget by July 1, but the smart money says they won’t. | more

•

May 21, 2010
Election Analysis: We All Won!
The results of this week’s elections will have an effect on Michigan, but it’s not exactly clear how. | more

•

May 14, 2010
Blood in the Pool
Early negative campaigning shows the direction of the Republican campaign for governor. | more

•

May 7, 2010
The Ideal Politician
Ernie Harwell’s life and career frame how the ideal politician ought to act. | more

•

April 30, 2010
Stitching and Weaving Politics and Policy
Unraveling the warp and weft of the week reveals a troubled bridge over international waters. | more

•

April 23, 2010
Campaign Arm-Wrestling
First debate among Republican candidates for governor raises the question of how to be both bare-knuckle and brainy at once. | more

•

April 16, 2010
Delegation Shakeup
Michigan is going to undergo one of its most dramatic changes in congressional representation in decades. | more

•

April 9, 2010
Conquering the 2010-11 Budget
Straight talk and creativity are sorely needed to resolve the epic budget battles that lie ahead. | more

•

April 2, 2010
Extremist Talk and Blithering Outrage
Our growing inability to civilly disagree and to be unwilling to consider opposing points is both depressing and worrying. | more

•

March 26, 2010
Red-Baiting 2010 Style
The politics of national health care could outweigh state issues in Michigan’s November elections. | more

•

March 19, 2010
Stupid Administration Tricks
Not since her first year in office has Gov. Granholm had such an awful week in terms of public foul-ups. | more

•

March 12, 2010
Trapped from Moving Forward
Michigan’s recent bits of good news are nearly drowned under the continuing sense of directionless conflict that overwhelms state government. | more

•

March 5, 2010
Can the Candidates Do the Job?
If the professionals involved in government were the only ones voting, Joe Schwarz would be Michigan’s next governor.| more

•

February 26, 2010
Hammering Public Pay
Reshaping the wages and benefits of public employees has become a big part of the early strategies to resolve the state budget deficit.| more

•

February 19, 2010
Blood on the Campaign Trail
With Democrats still scrambling to field candidates for governor, Republicans have only themselves to hack and slash.| more

•

February 12, 2010
Budget ‘Cuts’ vs. ‘Reforms’
Hard times require hard decisions and hard budget language that reflects those decisions.| more

•

February 5, 2010
Still Trying to Clean up the Mess
Governor adopts Ike-like pose of hope and confidence in her final State of the State. | more

•

January 29, 2010
Corporate Politics
Does Citizens United deserve a place in the pantheon of major Supreme Court cases? | more

•

January 22, 2010
Hangover Politics
If the political news of the first three weeks is any indication, it’s going to be a year we all need a steadying brandy or two. Or a bottle. | more

•

January 15, 2010
Down or Out?
The upcoming clash over another big budget deficit will reveal the condition of Michigan’s fighting spirit. | more

•

January 8, 2010
Politics after Cherry
Why John Cherry decided to drop out of the governor’s race is academic in light of the situation both parties now face. | more

•

January 1, 2010
Still Addressing the Economy
Echoes of Gov. Granholm’s 2006 “blown away” comment will still be heard in her February 3 State of the State. | more

•

December 26, 2009
Fed Up Lawmakers Achieve Education Reforms
Something rare happened during the “Race to the Top” brawl: lawmakers compromised.| more

•

December 18, 2009
Correction or Punishment
Gitmo decision doesn’t resolve any of the state’s major corrections issues.| more

•

December 11, 2009
Most Cranky Time of Year
The season of good cheer and peace on earth…but not in the Capitol.| more

•

December 4, 2009
‘Children Are Our Future’ Politics
Lawmakers return and earnestly tackle legislation to help snag a share of federal “Race To The Top” education monies.| more

•

November 20, 2009
Inaction Fuels Frustration
Plenty of ideas for turning around Michigan’s collapsing fortunes, but state government appears unable to act. | more

•

November 13, 2009
Cherry the Alternative
With pundits focused squarely on Dillon’s plans, Cherry asserts himself more forcefully as a better-rounded candidate.| more

•

November 6, 2009
Budget Aftermath: Signs, Portents and Guns
Uncertainty reigns in the unsettled days following completion of the 2009-10 budget.| more

•

October 30, 2009
Budget Battles Bloody All
Maybe the Crips and Bloods could reach accord easier. | more

•

October 23, 2009
Will Vetoes Bring Revenues or Overrides?
Budget drama plays out against Michigan’s tradition of few veto overrides. | more

•

October 16, 2009
‘Solving’ the Budget Fight
Clues indicate 2009-10 will be more of a transitional budget that will never really be final. | more

•

October 9, 2009
Coal-Fired Fury
Did Gov. Granholm’s stance on power plants ignite Speaker Dillon’s independence? | more

•

October 2, 2009
Is Everybody Happy?
Goal of the controversial budget agreement is now clear: bragging rights for all.| more

•

September 25, 2009
A Short History of Legislative All-Nighters
State budgets just seem to need the oil of all-night sessions to get slipped into position.| more

•

September 18, 2009
Who Holds the Budget Roadmap?
Will the current direction lead to a relatively safe budget destination or a head-on collision?| more

•

September 11, 2009
Final Budget Finally Taking Shape
Out of a parking lot comes the start of the last stage of the 2009-10 budget race — a warm-up for the marathon to follow. | more

•

September 4, 2009
Against the Closed Door
Held in isolation far from the public, the closed-door budget negotiations seem unreal. | more

•

August 28, 2009
Ted Kennedys in Michigan
Political superstar was an icon of a political ideal that seems to have vanished.| more

•

August 21, 2009
Budget Talks: Ongoing, but Going Where?
Capital growing restless over lack of information on budget negotiations.| more

•

August 14, 2009
Jobs and Terror
Debate over jailing Gitmo prisoners in Standish takes on a new political overtone.| more

•

August 7, 2009
Private Talks Hide Budget Plans
Social services and arts groups say they can’t afford to take any more budget cuts.| more

•

July 31, 2009
Players Choosing Sides on Dillon Plan
Public employee insurance reforms become part of budget and 2010 campaign politics.| more

•

July 31, 2009
Players Choosing Sides on Dillon Plan
Public employee insurance reforms become part of budget and 2010 campaign politics.| more

•

July 24, 2009
Can Dillon ‘Open China?’
Speaker’s plan for public employee insurance reform taps into public sentiment.| more

•

July 17, 2009
Faceoff Over AG Power
Attorney General Cox fights legislators’ attempt to curtail his authority.| more

•

July 10, 2009
Young Gunning
Dems stick Justice Robert Young’s head on the 2010 electoral dart board.| more

•

June 26, 2009
Republican Field Narrows for 2010
Early exit of Secretary of State Land from governor’s race helps Bouchard and Hoekstra.| more

•

June 19, 2009
Senate Panel Pushes ‘Budget of Death’
State Police, higher education, community health and human services get hit with surprisingly dramatic cuts.| more

•

June 12, 2009
Heading Off State Police Cuts
State trooper layoffs get locked up in politics.| more

•

June 5, 2009
Auto Bankruptcies Signal End of an Era
Million-jobs question: what role does manufacturing play in Michigan’s future?| more

•

May 29, 2009
Gov’s Race Off and Running
Candidates address Mackinac crowd, split on no-tax-increase pledge.| more

•

May 22, 2009
Smoking Ban Compromise Remains Elusive
House and Senate still sharply divided over final form of a workplace smoking ban.| more

•

May 15, 2009
Lawmakers Focus on Uninsured
New House and Senate plans take a serious stab at fixing health insurance system.| more

•

May 8, 2009
Stimulus Cash Softens Budget Blow
Legislators pull trigger on $304 million in cuts — and wonder what’s next.| more

•

May 1, 2009
Another Day of Economic Reckoning
State officials paint Chrysler bankruptcy as paving the way for its dramatic rebirth. | more

•

April 24, 2009
Political Tug-of-War No Child’s Play
Panel urges feds to embrace mandates in Democrats’ toxic-toy package. | more

•

April 17, 2009
State Budget Faces Deep Cuts
Plunging revenues force lawmakers to cut hundreds of millions more this year. | more

•

April 10, 2009
Beer Tax Could Help Human Services
Task force finds inadequate funding pushes too many kids into foster care. | more

•

April 3, 2009
Government Help a Bad Joke?
Feds’ tough love for auto industry puts state officials in a difficult spot. | more

•

March 27, 2009
Lawmakers Greenlight $873 Million for Roads
Federal stimulus funds are coming as unemployment climbs and roads crumble. | more

•

March 20, 2009
Locals Could Get Less from Stimulus
State’s falling revenues could force it to keep funds planned for local governments. | more

•

March 13, 2009
Battle of Tax Cuts vs. Services Rages on
Chicken-and-egg fight between parties picks up new steam. | more

•

March 6, 2009
Sending Mixed Signals on Education
Education backers scratching their heads over policymakers’ latest assaults. | more

•

February 28, 2009
State Action Shifts to Washington
Governor and legislative leaders hit D.C. to talk stimulus and bailout funds. | more

•

February 23, 2009
Not So Fast on Stimulus Cash
Michigan officials are eager to spend federal stimulus dollars, but still need answers. | more

•

February 16, 2009
State Cuts: Significant and Symbolic
Governor’s budget, cutting $670 million and 1,500 jobs, promises new levels of angst. | more

•

February 09, 2009
Governor Escalates Auto Insurance War
Insurers warn of economic backlash over rate freeze order. | more

•

February 02, 2009
Crippled States Proposing Overhauls
Governor may follow others in announcing sweeping change to offset crushing deficits. | more

•

January 26, 2009
Eye of Budget Storm Starts Forming
Corrections savings, stimulus cash and state overhaul come into play. | more

•

January 19, 2009
Focus Shifts to Taxes and Stimulus Projects
Will lawmakers do more than talk about tax reform? | more

•

January 12, 2009
Tough Economy Smacks Budget
Bad economic news sets off scramble for budget solutions. | more

•

December 22, 2008
No Fix for Crumbling Road Finances
Lame duck waddles off without raising more funds for roads. | more

•

December 15, 2008
Flurry Forecast for Final Day
Legislators start their final week with much to complete. | more

•

December 08, 2008
Lame Duck Trips Over Budget Cuts
Senate Republicans’ stance could hold up packed agenda. | more

•

November 24, 2008
Auto Crisis Cuts Trade Trip
Middle East jobs mission only brief break from economic woes. | more

•

November 17, 2008
Governor Pitches Auto Bailout
Car companies’ falling stock boosts Granholm’s opportunities. | more

•

November 10, 2008
Focus Shifting to 2010 Elections
What does the election immediately past tell us about the one soon to come? | more

•

November 3, 2008
Chrysler’s Fate Overshadows Elections
Automakers’ job losses could devastate state finances. | more

•

October 27, 2008
Tough Times Threaten GOP Incumbents
Economic meltdown could cost two congressmen their jobs. | more

•

October 13, 2008
Global Turmoil Threatens State Finances
Budget cuts inevitable as tax collections fall short. | more

•

October 6, 2008
Michigan Republicans Lose Air Cover
McCain’s decision to pull out weakens other candidates. | more

•

September 29, 2008
Lawmakers Leave Town to Campaign
Major issues quacking for attention in upcoming lame duck. | more

•

September 22, 2008
Hard-Fought Energy Plan Wins Approval
The year’s biggest policy achievement heads to the governor. | more

•

September 15, 2008
Energy Agreement Close at Hand
Governor heads for Japan expecting completion of the energy reform package. | more

•

September 5, 2008
Picking Up the Pieces after Kwame’s Fall
State attention now turns to budgets, trade trips and patching up Detroit. | more

•

August 29, 2008
Day of Political Reckonings at Hand
September 3 is the Super Bowl, World Series and opening night of the MET. | more

•

August 22, 2008
Court Tosses Unconventional Plan
Appellate judges pull plug on sweeping ‘reform’ ballot proposal. | more

•

August 8, 2008
Liquor Appointment Stirs Partisans
Legislators return to dive headfirst into pool of policy and politics. | more

•

August 1, 2008
Primary Key to New House
Tuesday’s vote is more than a qualifying heat. | more

•

July 25, 2008
‘Stealth’ Ballot Plan Splinters Dems
Far-reaching ballot proposal blowing up in Democratic leader’s face. | more

•

July 18, 2008
Victory and Defeat on Jobs Front
News of new Michigan jobs tempers Volkswagen’s decision to go south. | more

•

July 11, 2008
Water Compromise Becomes Law
Great Lakes Compact sends messages of protection and cooperation. | more

•

July 3, 2008
Hammer of Justice Taps Softly
Senate’s powder-puff punishment reflects realities of term limits. | more

•

June 13, 2008
Energy Grenade Lobbed to Senate
House action surprises, dumbfounds soldiers in the energy conflict. | more

•

June 6, 2008
Recall Foes See Clean Sweep
Dillon supporters ready to make ‘final nail’ in pig-man’s coffin final. | more

•

May 30, 2008
Term Limits Spark Lively Debate
Legislative leaders agree that changes to the current limits are due. | more

•

May 23, 2008
Lawmakers Return to Fighting Ways
Inability to compromise on three major issues puts abrupt end to era of goodwill. | more

•

May 16, 2008
Great Lakes Compact Bills Begin Moving
Key issues still making waves, but both houses launch water-protection measures. | more

•

May 9, 2008
Falling Property Values to Hit Budgets
Shaky real estate market will take a toll on local and state government revenues. | more

•

May 2, 2008
Insurance Issues Dominate Agenda
Major health and auto insurance packages moving forward. | more

•

April 25, 2008
Senate Nearing Vote on Blues Battle
Lawmakers still sorting through major policy differences. | more

•

April 18, 2008
Michigan Not Alone in Electric Fights
80 percent of governors urge their states to go green. | more

•

April 11, 2008
Film Incentives Begin as Love Story
Good reviews for film package despite uncertainty over ending. | more

•

April 4, 2008
Break Pushes Energy Package Forward
House returns looking ready to move hotly debated legislation. | more

•

March 28, 2008
Proposal A Pops Up Again
Senate debate over pop-up tax opens door to tweaking Proposal A. | more

•

March 21, 2008
Divided Dems Let Re-do Die
Obama camp won’t go along with heavy push for primary do-over. | more

•

March 14, 2008
Michigan Readies for its Close-up
Legislators play their part to make state a Mecca for filmmaking.| more

•

March 7, 2008
Swift Action on ‘Save the Dream’ Mortgage Bills
Lawmakers move with uncharacteristic speed to rescue homeowners. | more

•

February 29, 2008
Lawmakers Put More Energy into Energy Debate
Adopting a renewable energy standard isn’t as easy as flipping a switch. | more

•

February 22, 2008
Groups urge public funding of Supreme Court races
High court justices walk tightrope of balancing donors with litigants. | more

•

February 16, 2008
State fixes flap over foreign residents’ driver’s licenses
Lawmakers prove they really can move fast when the world is waiting. | more

•

February 9, 2008
Governor’s New Budget Avoids Picking Fights
New spending plan a marked change from last year’s bare-knuckle brawl. | more

•

February 2, 2008
State of the State Aftermath: Putting Bipartisanship to the Test
How long will this new “unprecedented era of cooperation” really last? | more