A former Michigan spokesman who resigned because of “callous” statements about Flint was paid by a state contract to train government employees on how to communicate with media, records show.
Craig Mauger
A guest author for Bridge Magazine.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan justices backed by opponents of redistricting proposal may decide its fate
Michigan’s Supreme Court has a rich history of expensive judicial races and partisan pressure when it comes to redistricting. A 2018 ballot measure may hang in the balance.
Posted inMichigan Government
With Michigan Dems gathering Sunday, activists compete to pack convention
The Michigan Democratic Party convention in Detroit promises unusual levels of drama and a possible challenge to the labor-dominated politics of years past. Here’s how the voting works.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fight for soul of Michigan GOP is waged precinct by precinct.
In meeting rooms small and large across Michigan, the selection of Republican precinct delegates hold big repercussions for candidates and the party’s future.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Tracking dark money in Michigan politics just got harder
A new law signed by Gov. Snyder makes it easier to get around how much can be spent on candidates’ campaigns in Michigan, and harder to determine who is behind the money.
Posted inMichigan Government
From lawmaker to lobbyist. Should the state slow down the revolving door?
Most states have a “cooling-off” period before a departing lawmaker can become a lobbyist. Not so in Michigan, where most who take the leap are lobbying their former colleagues within six months.
Posted inMichigan Government
In Lansing, where potentially self-serving votes run ‘rampant’
Michigan’s failure to pass a conflict-of-interest law allows legislators to cast votes even when they appear to have a financial interest.
Posted inMichigan Government
15 lawmakers and their potential conflicts of interest
What’s a conflict of interest, and what isn’t? You decide
Posted inMichigan Government
How secret donors tried to shape Michigan’s next House GOP caucus
Mystery groups funded attacks against at least 7 GOP candidates for the state House before the recent primary. State campaign finance law makes it difficult to know who is funding these attacks.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Michigan earns ‘F’ for transparency, while legislature helps it stay there
Among the tsunami of unwelcome attention swamping the state, now this: Dark money swamps our elections, and even its defenders won’t speak up