MIRS Monday Podcast

For a pre-election roundtable, MIRS is joined by Alexis Wiley, the Detroit-based communications strategist; George Chapp – chair of the Michigan Democratic Party's 10th congressional district caucus – and Jer Staes of the Daily Detroit newsletter and podcast.  What will be the product of Republican U.S. Senate nominee Mike Rogers' campaign efforts in Detroit? Also what have been the political landmines stepped in by Rogers and Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed in the final weeks leading up to Nov. 3?  Additionally, from museum millage questions to voter fatigue from heavy political ads and texts, what else on the general election ballot is worth watching?  (1:59) The official sponsor of this episode is the Michigan Association of Health Plans, your source for healthcare information: https://www.mahp.org/

MIRS attempted to host a candidate forum for the competitive 12th state Senate race along the Lake Saint Clair shoreline, but did not get a response from the Republican challenger.  Incumbent Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-Saint Clair Shores) tells Republican John Goldwater that he's "ready to go, anytime, any place." Hertel also claims that this is the first time running against someone he still has never met (1:30).  Over Guinness beer on Oct. 15 inside Kelly's Irish Pub in Downtown Lansing, MIRS editor and publisher Kyle Melinn speaks with Republican consultants John Yob and Stu Sandler. They discuss shifts in party bases and what has made 2026 unlike other competitive election years in Michigan (25:01).  The official sponsor of this episode is the Michigan Association of Health Plans, your source for healthcare information: https://www.mahp.org/

MIRS reflects on last week's U.S. Senate debate hosted by WoodTV. What were Democratic Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers' most notable moments?  (2:14) Also, after a Secretary of State debate on the same night, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II says it's time for a chief privacy officer with a software engineering background to lead the Department of State (13:03).  MIRS sits down with Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters. He does not think the rhetoric has gone too far in the '26 U.S. Senate race between El-Sayed and Rogers, predicting that "reasonable moderates" in Michigan will surprise the country next month (16:15).  Additionally, Roxanne Brinkerhoff of the Starfish Family Services talks about how two years ago, her early childhood educators realized 3-year-olds were arriving who were nonverbal (27:32).  The official sponsor of this episode is the Michigan Association of Health Plans, your source for healthcare information: https://www.mahp.org/ 

MIRS hosts a Republican-Democratic roundtable with Democratic Macomb County Commissioner Michael J. Howard II of Warren and Anna Heaton, the vice president of Resch Strategies and former press secretary under Republican Gov. Rick Synder (1:13).  Should lawmakers in Lansing answer some calls to suspend the gas tax at the state level amid high fuel costs? Also, are ties to the movement to get off fossil fuels a political asset or liability in 2026, an election cycle focused on costs?  Additionally, Anna and Michael discuss small businesses contemplating whether or not they can afford healthcare plans for next year. 

MIRS catches up with Robin Schneider of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association. In the last month, Robin says that two members have committed suicide as the industry struggles to keep up with this year's new 24% wholesale tax on weed.  Previously viewing Democrats as the cannabis industry's "natural allies," the association is now endorsing Republican U.S. Rep. John James for governor (1:53).  MIRS also speaks with Nicholas Cook and Sarah Rennie of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. Together, they discuss how homeless encampments form, as well as problems they see in both blue and red cities' attempts to minimize them (19:51).