Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer turned the tables on opponent Abdul El-Sayed during the candidates’ last debate. Was her claim valid?
Michigan Truth Squad
For too long some Michigan politicians and their consultants have stretched the truth, broken trust with citizens, and ignored the consequences of the things they say. The result is undue mistrust in our political process, one that is ultimately controlled by citizens – ideally informed citizens like you who are taking the time to learn about the issues and the people who represent them in our representative democracy.
The Michigan Truth Squad is a reporting project of Bridge Magazine and The Center for Michigan. Each analysis is produced by the staff of Bridge Magazine and freelancers with deep experience in state politics and policy. Our Truth Squad team has more than 100 years of combined experience as journalists covering Michigan politics, public policy, and current events.
Spread the word – we’re ready to blow the whistle on Michigan politics.
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Truth Squad: Bill Schuette’s ‘push’ for 1,000 new Michigan cops
Bill Schuette, the Michigan attorney general and Republican candidate for governor talks tough on crime. Does the public record back it up?
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Truth Squad: Abdul El-Sayed says rival Gretchen Whitmer opens door to ‘dark money’
Group buying ads featuring Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer accepted money from organizations that don’t have to disclose their donors, campaign finance experts say.
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Truth Squad | Gretchen Whitmer says she’s fought two governors on school aid
The Michigan Democratic candidate for governor has been a strong voice for a well-funded public education system in Michigan. We check her voting record.
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Truth Squad | Gretchen Whitmer says school aid money only meant for K-12
The Democratic candidate for governor has long criticized using state school aid funds for anything other than K-12 schools. Truth Squad explores the fine print.
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Truth Squad | Gretchen Whitmer depicts Michigan teachers in poverty
The Democratic candidate for governor echoes claims by the state’s largest teachers’ union that there are Michigan teachers on food stamps to argue for raising pay.
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Truth Squad | Abdul El-Sayed says rival takes ‘corporate dark money’
El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for Michigan governor, says a group linked to Gretchen Whitmer is accepting unlimited campaign cash from corporate interests. Does he have the goods?
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Michigan Truth Squad: Bill Schuette talks tough on Line 5 pipeline
The Michigan League of Conservation voters suggests Bill Schuette’s publicly stated concern about Enbridge Energy’s controversial 645-mile pipeline doesn’t match his actions as attorney general. Are the facts behind that argument correct?
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Michigan Truth Squad: Bill Schuette’s record on pollution under fire
A liberal advocacy group accuses the attorney general, a Republican candidate for governor, of trying to protect polluters. What do the facts say?
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Truth Squad | Michigan Republican Tonya Schuitmaker attacks foe on DACA
A DACA recipient volunteered briefly last year in House Speaker Tom Leonard’s office. Does that turn the deeply conservative Leonard into a liberal ally of former President Obama?