MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Replacement Refs”, “Stabenow: Addicted to spending”, “Stabenow: Sheepish” Who: Hoekstra for Senate, Michigan Republican Party What: TV ads Truth Squad calls: Flagrant foul on Hoekstra, Technical foul on Michigan GOP Hoekstra ad Questionable statement: “What’s the most watched sport around here? It’s the debate about Debbie Stabenow being the worst senator […]
Michigan Government
Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad finds problems in claims made in 103rd House District campaigns
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “The Rendon Record” and “Bruce Rendon” Who: Michigan Democratic Party, Bruce Rendon for State Representative What: TV ad, website Truth Squad call: Warning on Michigan Democratic Party. Foul on Rendon. This Truth Squad report covers numerous campaign materials from both sides in the race for the seat in District 103 of […]
Posted inMichigan Government
For cities in crisis, a wonk in wingtips
Fred Headen has been in the news lately, for reasons that do not necessarily burnish Michigan’s image. As director of the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Local Government Services, Headen has played a regular role in reviewing the finances of Michigan’s most troubled cities. He’s served on local finance review teams and helped oversee how […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Attempt to link teachers to Detroit-Windsor bridge earns flagrant foul from Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “So why” Who: People Should Decide, pro-Proposal 6 ballot committee What: Mailer Truth Squad call: Flagrant foul As reported previously at Truth Squad, “The People Should Decide is a ballot question committee funded, according to available campaign finance statements, almost entirely from interests linked to Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel Moroun and […]
Posted inMichigan Government
'Steel' ad on Proposal 6 gets technical foul from Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Steel man” Who: The People Should Decide, pro-Prop 6 ballot committee What: TV/Web ad Truth Squad call: Technical foul As reported previously at Truth Squad, “The People Should Decide is a ballot question committee funded, according to available campaign finance statements, almost entirely from interests linked to Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Both sides dinged by Truth Squad in House race involving Speaker Bolger
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: House District 63 — Jase Bolger vs. Bill Farmer Who: Committee to Elect Bill Farmer (http://reformourhouse.com/), Michigan Democratic Party (bolgergate.com), Committee to Elect Jase Bolger (www.electbolger.com) What: Websites Truth Squad calls: Foul, Technical foul This Truth Squad report covers numerous campaign materials from both sides in the race for the seat […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Fouls called on both sides in 71st House District by Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Generations” and “Theresa Abed” Who: Citizens to Elect Deb Shaughnessy State Representative, Michigan Democratic Party What: Radio ad (Shaughnessy), mailer (Abed) Truth Squad calls: Foul on Shaughnessy, Foul on Democrats/Abed. Shaughnessy ad Questionable statement: “Her opponent, Theresa Abed, voted for lifetime healthcare for county politicians, like herself.” Democrat Theresa Abed is […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Anti-Prop 2 ads get 'no foul' ruling from Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Michigan kids don’t need teacher strikes” and “School safety” Who: Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution, anti-ballot proposal group, and Protecting Michigan Taxpayers, an anti-Prop 2 group What: TV ads Truth Squad call: No foul. Proposal 2 would “grant public and private employees the constitutional right to organize and bargain collectively through labor […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad: Technical foul on pro-home health care claim
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Monette,” “Gene” and “Proposal” Who: Citizens for Affordable Quality Home Care What: “Monette,” TV/Internet ad; “Gene,” TV/Internet ad; “Proposal,” a mailer from Home Care First, Inc. Truth Squad call: Technical foul Few proposals on 2012’s crowded ballot require as much background knowledge, for a fully informed vote, as Proposal 4, which […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad: Anti-Prop 3 ad earns technical fouls on cost claim, wind turbine longevity
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Place” – TV ad, “$12 Billion” – mailer Who: CARE, anti-Proposal 3 group What: TV ad and mailer Truth Squad call: Technical fouls Questionable statements: “Make no mistake — Michigan families will pay the $12 billion price tag for this energy experiment.” (TV ad) “Proposal 3 will cost Michigan $12 billion […]