“Many forms of government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” – […]
Michigan Fact Squad
Bridge Michigan’s Fact Squad scrutinizes truthfulness of ads, statements and social media of political candidates for the Nov. 3 election.
Posted inPhil's Column
Center for Michigan arms voters with info for Election 2012
This election is unlike any in my memory – that goes back a long way, since I’m 74. In addition to candidates for the state House of Representatives, justices of the state Supreme Court and various other local issues, there are six proposals on the ballot, five to amend the constitution and one a referendum […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Bolger's re-election effort gets fouls from Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: House 63 Who: Bill Farmer campaign, Jase Bolger campaign, Michigan Democratic Party What: TV, radio ads Truth Squad call: Fouls on Bolger TV and radio ads; No Fouls on other materials Farmer ad ‘Power’ The 30-second television advertisement from Democratic candidate Bill Farmer slams House Speaker Jase Bolger for his role […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad calls flagrant foul on terrorism charge in court campaign
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Kid Gloves“, “Justice Denied” and “How Could You?” Who: Michigan Republican Party, Judicial Crisis Network What: TV/Internet ads Truth Squad call: Flagrant foul Although nominally nonpartisan, the Michigan Supreme Court races can be as nasty as any other, as these three ads place Democratic-nominated candidates Shelia Johnson and Bridget Mary McCormack […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Anti-Stabenow ad overplays tax claim; foul, says Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Debbie Stabenow’s Failing Record” and “Stabenow Is Failing Us” Who: Hardworking Americans Committee, a super PAC formed last month to oppose Stabenow What: TV and radio ad Truth Squad call: Foul Hardworking Americans Committee formed in September, listing Ann Arbor GOP consultant Stuart Sandler as treasurer and reporting $1 million in […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Flagrant foul called on 'taxpayer's guide' by Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: Michiganballot.com and “The Taxpayer’s Guide to the 2012 Michigan Ballot Proposals” Who: Americans for Prosperity What: Website, mailers Truth Squad call: Flagrant foul Michiganballot.com, and mailers that are trying to drive voters to it, present themselves as generic voter aids. They are, though, the creation of Americans for Prosperity, a group […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad calls foul on Responsible Voters' presentation
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: League of Responsible Voters Who: Michigan League of Responsible Voters What: Website and mailer Truth Squad call: Foul This is the time, during election season, when groups from across the political spectrum try to break through the cacophony of competing voices by offering “vote this way” guides. One, from the Michigan […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad calls foul on ad opposing Proposal 3
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Truth” Who: CARE What: TV ad Truth Squad call: Foul Proposal 3 would create an amendment to the Michigan Constitution a requirement that 25 percent of the state’s electrical power come from renewable sources by 2025, with certain caveats. The primary proponent group for Prop 3 is Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs. […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Pro-Prop 3 ad gets 'flagrant' from Truth Squad on utility bill claim
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Pushback” Who: Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs What: TV ad Truth Squad call: Flagrant foul Proposal 3 would create an amendment to the Michigan Constitution a requirement that 25 percent of the state’s electrical power come from renewable sources by 2025, with certain caveats. The primary proponent group for Prop 3 is […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Anti-Prop 5 ad gets 'no foul' from Michigan Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Vote No on Proposal 5” Who: Defend Michigan Democracy, anti-Proposal 5 group What: radio ad, Internet/TV ad Truth Squad call: No foul Proposal 5 would add a constitutional amendment that would require any increase in statewide taxes – new taxes, expanding tax bases, or rising tax rates – be approved by […]