It's Just Politics - Michigan Public

Latest Episodes:

Proof to vote Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

A Michigan ballot campaign that would require residents to show proof of citizenship while registering to vote could start collecting signatures soon. Plus, a conversation with Democratic candidate for governor Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.

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Subpoena power Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

The Republican-led Michigan House Oversight Committee has authorized a subpoena targeting Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta look into the rare use of a subpoena in Lansing. Plus, former Republican Attorney General Mike Cox announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026.

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Quality v. Quantity Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

Lawmakers are heading back to the state Capitol from their spring recess after the first three months of divided power in Lansing. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take a look at what was done in the first 90 days. Plus, Republican Congressman John James announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026.

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The Nine Bills Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Nine bills passed in last session’s legislature remain in legislative limbo as House Republicans defy a court ruling to send the bills to Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to sign or veto. Plus, the latest on Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement.

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Duggan’s dozen Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivers his 12th and final state of the city address as he prepares for his 2026 independent bid for Michigan Governor. Duggan joins It’s Just Politics; plus, the politics surrounding an open Michigan Senate seat.

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Nessel fights back Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed six lawsuits and 12 amicus briefs in federal court against President Donald Trump’s controversial Executive Orders. Nessel joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics to explain how she’s determining what suits to file; plus, Nessel looks back on the 11th anniversary this week of her lawsuit in Michigan that helped to make the state’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

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Lt Gov → Gov? Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Michigan’s Democratic Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist announces he’s running for Governor in 2026; plus, Republicans in the Michigan House shock Democrats with the introduction - and quick passage - of a $20 billion dollar budget in Lansing.

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A national address Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

President Donald Trump delivered the first address of his second term to a Joint Session of Congress. Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Republican Congressman Tom Barrett join Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics for their response to the speech and the Democratic response from Michigan’s Senator Elissa Slotkin.

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Part-time Legislature Feb 26, 2025

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A Republican state Representative says Michigan lawmakers aren’t working nearly enough and that Lansing is corrupt. He’s introduced a resolution to make the state Legislature part-time. Representative Jim DeSana joins Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta on this week’s It’s Just Politics.

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New Chairs Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Michigan Republicans and Democrats gather this weekend to choose their new state party chairs. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta explore the role of the state party chairs and why they matter heading into 2026.

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Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.