Michigan GOP

A look at campaign strategies with money and influence, and whether or not the two are intersecting this primary season.

"Usually by now you have a frontrunner for the nomination, if there is a primary..." said Zach Gorchow, publisher of Gongwer News Service. "And I think the big reason why there isn't one right now is this is a Republican candidate field that is basically bereft of any political experience."

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow on extending funding for free school lunches. Then, the tourist boom for Pictured Rocks and what it means for the surrounding community. We also heard from a unionizing Starbucks employee in Lansing and got an update on the FBI arrest of Michigan gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley.

Republican candidates for governor met for a debate last night. We talked about the major takeaways. Also, a conversation with Detroit-based artist and muralist Bakpak Durden. Then, we talked with an MSU student about the school's decision to cut its swim team. And finally, a conversation with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer about the state's economic future.

An update on the Mackinac Policy Conference from the president of the Detroit Regional Chamber, ahead of tonight’s GOP gubernatorial debate. We hear about the attempted community called “The Palestine Colony.” Then we listen to a conversation from KEXP with an Ann Arbor musician.

The Board of State Canvassers deadlocked on each candidate. That means the candidates will have to go to court if they want to get on the ballot.

We talked to two Michigan Radio reporters about their investigation into pandemic living conditions in Wayne County Jail. Plus, how segregationist George Wallace won the 1972 presidential primary in Michigan. And, why some evangelical churches are turning the pulpit into a political mouthpiece.

Internal drama in the Michigan GOP between traditional conservatives and Trump loyalists. Lebanese American poet Kamelya Omayma Youssef on what makes her tick. The Detroit Free Press’ Freep Film Festival kicks off with “America You Kill Me," which focuses on LGBTQ+ activist Jeffrey Montgomery.

The Michigan Republican party held its nominating convention this past weekend. Technical problems during voting and intraparty disputes helped draw the normally pro forma event out for hours. Today on the pod, we’ll get into what happened — and we’ll talk about what the party split means for Republicans this election year.

State Senator Mallory McMorrow fired back at GOP attacks on LGBTQ community. A new vision for Michigan's first HBCU — and the history behind it.