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Toronto Under ConstructionEpisode 62 - Toronto Under Construction with Jeff Wagner from Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation, Brian Dorr from Dorr Capital & ReaAlt Investment & Devon Cranson from Cranson CapitalEpisode 62 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast explores financing, debt, equity and the mortgage market in the greater Toronto area with special guests Jeff Wagner from Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation, Brian Dorr from Dorr Capital & ReaAlt Investment & Devon Cranson from Cranson Capital.
*Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*
2024-02-211h 34
Kitchen Table Theology110 Complete in ChristWhat do we have to do to be fully complete in Christ? In today’s episode, Pastor Jeff Cranson and Jen Denton discuss what it means to be whole when we inherit the kingdom of God. They will also talk about Gnosticism, and how its teachings create repercussions. People are not taught to look for spiritual truths outside of what can be learned through empirical observation and experimentation, which can lead to spiritual blindness. Being complete in Christ means that we have been set free from sin.[00:01 - 04:52] Opening SegmentWhat do...2022-06-1923 min
Talking Michigan TransportationMeet veteran MDOT project manager, Mohammed AlghurabiOn the latest Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, MDOT Director of Communications Jeff Cranson talks with Mohammed Alghurabi, a veteran project manager. Mohammed talks about his career path and his decades-long work on what is now the Gordie Howe International Bridge.Mohammed also discusses:— his work as project manager on the M-6 freeway in Ottawa and Kent counties;— and how work as a project manager requires a great deal of communication and relationship building. #welcomingweekLinkshttps://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/enhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-6_(Michigan_highway)2019-09-1921 min
Talking Michigan Transportation2019 Labor Day Mackinac Bridge WalkOn this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, MDOT Communications Director Jeff Cranson hosts conversations with Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Executive Secretary Kim Nowack and MBA Chairman Shorty Gleason about the 2019 Annual Bridge Walk this past Labor Day.— Kim Nowack,* who was named head administrator of the MBA in July, is pleased with participation** and the safety of the 2019 Annual Bridge Walk.— The conversation also touches on the ongoing education and communications efforts since major changes were required for the event starting in 2017. https://youtu.be/lFR_HOE7NKw— Later, S...2019-09-0422 min
Talking Michigan TransportationConversation with MDOT Director Paul AjegbaThis is the inaugural edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast. Jeff Cranson, MDOT director of communications, talks with MDOT Director Paul Ajegba about his path to the department and passion for transportation.This week:Director Ajegba’s focus on alleviating congestion and improving safety and travel times with innovations like the Flex Route on US-23 north of Ann Arbor.The need for more transportation funding in Michigan and how MDOT and industry will respond. The mobility preferences of future generations — cycling, rail, transit, connected and automated vehicles — and how to adapt.Th...2019-08-2619 min
Talking Michigan PoliticsWhy Gov. Rick Snyder's plan to tax pensions has little supportOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about state GOP leaders' 90-day update, the federal budget standoff and changes in city of Grand Rapids' garbage policies and incentives to boost recycling.2011-04-0126 minTalking Michigan PoliticsMichigan inches closer to Wisconsin in labor battle and NPR seals its own federal funding fateCollective bargaining's fate in Michigan, the GOP's future resting with Hispanic voters and tweaks in the state budget, on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.2011-03-1032 minTalking Michigan PoliticsQ&A with Gov. Rick Snyder's budget director about Michigan's 'shared sacrifice' planOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, state budget director John Nixon answers questions about the bold cuts and tax changes he and Gov. Rick Snyder have proposed. Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder also discuss the legislative proposal that would enable a vote to merge Kent County and Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Public Schools Supt. Bernard Taylor's possible departure for a post in Syracuse.2011-03-0228 minTalking Michigan PoliticsMichigan, U.S. face budget dilemmas as Snyder, Obama unveil plansBudget matters, both in Michigan and the nation, dominate this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.2011-02-1726 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWhat cuts should we expect in Gov. Rick Snyder's budget? Will Michigan reform teach tenure?What cuts to expect in Gov. Rick Snyder’s bold budget, the future of the national health care law, and a Grand Rapids-Kent County metro government proposal on this week’s Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder:2011-02-0428 minTalking Michigan PoliticsAre property taxes going up, a strong showing for Pete Hoekstra in a Senate poll, and Gov. Rick Snyder's plans to balance the budgetIn a special Talking Michigan Politics podcast recorded after Gov. Rick Snyder addressed the Michigan Press Association in Detroit, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:2011-01-2918 minTalking Michigan PoliticsPodcast: Obama's State of the Union strategy; Rosalynn Carter's fight against mental health stigma and Gov. Rick Snyder's budget plansWhat did we learn from the State of the Union and reaction; examining mental health in the wake of Arizona shootings; and what to expect in a radically different Michigan state budget on this week's Talking Michigan Politics with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.2011-01-2628 minTalking Michigan PoliticsGov. Rick Snyder's State of the State, President Obama's approval ratings and a Tiger Mother's defenseAnalysis of Gov. Rick Snyder's first State of the State address, a look at President Obama's approval two years in, and "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.2011-01-2027 minTalking Michigan PoliticsFallout from Arizona shooting rampage; Gov. Rick Snyder's State of the State previewOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss the fallout from the deadly shooting rampage in Arizona, a preview of Gov. Rick Snyder's State of the State address and how development is progressing in downtown Grand Rapids.2011-01-1327 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWill Governor Snyder's plan to restore Michigan work?Pure Michigan, Gov. Rick Snyder's call for shared sacrifice, media pros disclosing personal information, the Navy commander scandal and more on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.2011-01-0630 minTalking Michigan PoliticsSilence on suburban Detroit prostitution clients; Snyder appeals to the center and Michele Bachmann's Michigan stopsOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Valley State University's Matt McLogan joins Press political editor Jeff Cranson to talk about Gov. Rick Snyder's bold ambitions, Michele Bachmann's visits to Grand Rapids and Troy and what to expect from Michigan's Congressional delegation in the new session.2010-12-3026 minTalking Michigan PoliticsGov. Granholm's legacy, Michele Bachmann's role in Michigan politics and the dismal Census numbersOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss Gov. Jennifer Granholm's legacy, Michele Bachmann's visit to Grand Rapids, the Census release. Conversation starters this week focus on ways parents try to preserve Santa for kids and a tribute to Eloise Johnson, patron saint of music in Grand Rapids.2010-12-2327 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWhy did President Obama extend tax cuts for rich and polls show Sen. Debbie Stabenow at riskPresident Obama in the middle, Michigan's lame-duck Legislature and a Grand Rapids mayor's bid for a third term on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.2010-12-0937 minTalking Michigan PoliticsAre Fox News commentators deliberately distorting news as Jimmy Carter suggests?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics, Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss President Carter's statements about Fox News, upcoming races for Grand Rapids mayor and the U.S. Senate, the unemployment benefits extension, former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Betty Weaver being censured, the early battle for Michigan GOP chairman, more people supporting auto bailouts and the TSA's "Don't touch my junk" dilemma.2010-11-2432 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWill Rick Snyder, Republicans raise taxes to balance Michigan's budget?Nancy Pelosi's woes, tax talk in Lansing and Washington, Bloomberg-Scarborough for president, what gives a city soul and more on this week's Talking Michigan Politics with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder:2010-11-1832 minTalking Michigan PoliticsHow will Tea Party victories change Washington?On this week's post-election Talking Michigan Politics podcast, demographics analyst Peter Bratt joins Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder to talk about Tuesday's election results.2010-11-0430 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWill head stomping by Rand Paul supporter impact elections, and what does poor turnout for Clinton, Bernero event meanGVSU's Matt McLogan joins Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder for the final Talking Michigan Politics podcast before Tuesday's mid-term elections. Topics include:
Clinton, Bernero event fails to draw
The Rand Paul supporter head stomp
Turnout
China's role in political races2010-10-2837 minTalking Michigan PoliticsInterview: Rick Snyder talks about China, Pure Michigan and campaign finance disclosureAn interview with GOP candidate for governor, Rick Snyder; analysis of his debate with Democrat Virg Bernero; the tight race for Kent County's 29th Senate district are topics on this week's Talking Michigan Politics with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.2010-10-1432 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWill the Supreme Court protect free speech even if it means allowing hateful signs at soldier funerals?Gay bashing at military funerals and free speech, a radical center/third party movement in 2012 and China as an issue in the 3rd Congressional race on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.2010-10-0730 minTalking Michigan PoliticsAre Tea Party and Christine O'Donnell a flash in the pan, or start of long-term movement?Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about the Tea Party and Christine O'Donnell, Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero agreeing to a debate, the 3rd Congressional race and Don't Ask Don't Tell on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast.2010-09-2332 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWhat do this week's Tea Party victories mean for races in Michigan?Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about Tea Party victories, Rick Snyder-Virg Bernero sharing town hall time and government worker health insurance paying for abortions on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast.2010-09-1629 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWith Rick Snyder's lead growing, how bad will it be for Democrats in November?New numbers and a widening gap in the race for governor, a study showing Republican primary turnout surging while it declines for Democrats and the anniversary of President Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon on this week's Talking Michigan Politics with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.2010-09-0931 minTalking Michigan PoliticsNovember races, myths about Obama, manufacturing's comebackThis week on the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder ruminate on November races, Democratic control of the Michigan Supreme Court, growing misconceptions about the president and manufacturing's resurgence in Southern states.2010-09-0234 minTalking Michigan PoliticsJustice Elizabeth Weaver's sudden resignation; Rick Snyder's selection of Brian Calley as running mateOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver's stunning decision to resign; Rick Snyder's running mate pick and libertarian billionaire Koch brothers and their role in the Tea Party movement.2010-08-2631 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWill disputed Tea Party candidates stay on ballot, and how can Virg Bernero win in November?Tea partiers facing off in court, exploring a path to victory for Virg Bernero, and the mosque proposed two blocks from Ground Zero on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
Will the real Tea Party please stand up? Despite claims there is no organized Tea Party, per se, a group of people involved in "the movement" have enlisted the state's foremost elections law gunslinger to challenge the organization they say filed fake Tea Party candidates to dilute the GOP vote in November.
How does Bernero close a 19-point gap by Nov. 2? A poll telegraphed...2010-08-1932 minTalking Michigan PoliticsA new Virg Bernero-Rick Snyder Michigan governor's poll; tax cuts expiring and chickens in Grand RapidsRunning mates for Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero and Grand Rapids says no to backyard chickens on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.
1. The running mate sweepstakes. Lots of names on both sides. And GOP candidate Rick Snyder, either has a number of fans of the Washington Post's "The Fix" column , or his campaign staff is working overtime to pump up their results in the column's unscientific daily poll.
Meanwhile, the debate about debates has begun in earnest with Democratic candidate Virg Bernero calling for at least eight.
As expected, Snyder had...2010-08-1235 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWhat does Rick Snyder's victory in governor's race mean?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder and GVSU's Matt McLogan analyze Tuesday night's primary election results.
1. Governor's race. What's it all mean? Did voters send a clear message with support for Rick Snyder or was it just good strategy dividing up the GOP base between Hoekstra and Cox? Snyder stunned observers by carrying most of the state outside the counties (see map) in Pete Hoekstra's Congressional district and a few scattered in other places.
2. The Congressional races. How did Bill Huizenga pull it off in the Lakeshore's sprawling 2nd district after being...2010-08-0540 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWhat's behind Rick Snyder's surge in Michigan governor's raceOn a special, and brief, edition of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:
• The latest polls in the governor's race and how Rick Snyder has pulled ahead, however slightly. It's the first time the Ann Arbor businessman has led in major polls since his campaign began early last year.
• A controversial group already running ads targeting Peter Hoekstra in the governor's race is now doing mailings attacking a candidate in the Grand Rapids-based 3rd Congressional district. Who is funding Americans for Jobs Security and why are they involved in this race?2010-07-3011 minTalking Michigan PoliticsIs Virg Bernero pulling ahead and predictions for Michigan's August primaryIs Virg Bernero pulling ahead in the Democratic race for governor? On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder and GVSU's Matt McLogan discuss that race, analyze Congressional and state legislative races and voter turnout projections.
Governor's race Polls show Democratic Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has overcome and is leading House Speaker Andy Dillon in myriad parts of the state.
How is his populist message resonating? On the Republican side, Attorney General Mike Cox took more hits from the Manoogian Mansion-stripper story that won't go away, but his support remains strong. Meanwhile, Rick Snyder...2010-07-2941 minTalking Michigan PoliticsHow the fight for Pete Hoekstra's seat in Congress could help Hoekstra's race for governorNew polls in the governor's race, Club for Growth attack ads and voter turnout are the topics on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Jeff Cranson, political editor at the Grand Rapids Press and Matt McLogan, vice president of university relations for Grand Valley State University.2010-07-2231 minTalking Michigan PoliticsDoes legend of President Reagan as a conservative live up to reality?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, recorded in a quieter setting, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss whether people pining for Ronald Reagan truly understand how he governed, campaign finance lawsuits, new developments in the race for governor of Michigan, and what it means for Gov. Granholm that President Obama is making a stop in Holland:2010-07-1534 minTalking Michigan PoliticsCan Hoekstra win GOP primary despite being outspent by opponents?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press politics editor Jeff Cranson and editorial page editor Ed Golder talk about money in the governor's race, a case before the state Supreme Court concerning allegations of Meijer secretly promoting the recall of township officials near Traverse City, and Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver bolting the GOP.2010-07-0828 minTalking Michigan PoliticsEndorsements ramp up in governor's race; is buying American patriotic?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss the changing face of the Michigan governor's race, a flurry of endorsements for Grand Rapids-area Congressional candidates, a lawsuit challenging Michigan's campaign finance limits and the patriotism of buying American.2010-07-0131 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWhat caused Mike Cox's huge leap in governor's race poll?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about changing poll numbers in the governor's race and the Democratic debate in Grand Rapids, developments in the 3rd Congressional campaigns, and controversy surrounding film tax credits for the Grand Rapids Hangar42 project.
Conversation starters:
• Ed on Asian carp making it past the barrier
• Jeff on pro-life and pro-choice groups finding common ground in New York as an organization seeks to make adoption a subject at abortion clinics.2010-06-2432 minTalking Michigan PoliticsNew website helps expose lies in campaign adsOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about the Michigan Truth Squad, the Michigan governors race and the challenges in remaking the nation's energy policy.
Links to topics discussed:
• Michigan Truth Squad
• A new poll in Michigan's gubernatorial race, and the campaigns feature few promises.
• President Obama's Oval Office address on the Gulf spill provokes more energy policy discussion. Jay Hakes, director of the Jimmy Carter Library and former head of the federal Energy Information Office, laid it out in his 2008 book, A Declaration of Energy Independence.
Conversation starters:
• Ed on the S...2010-06-1728 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWill latest endorsements make difference in Michigan governor's race?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about:
Big endorsements in the governor's race: Attorney General Mike Cox picks up the support of Grand Rapids GOP powers Dick and Betsy DeVos, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and possibly Right To Life of Michigan Thursday.
Is it quid pro quo with the Chamber and RTL because the DeVoses donate generously to both groups? The Chamber's PACs are building a fund balance to fight a Constitutional Convention proposal on the fall ballot and to protect Justice Robert Young.
The DeVos decision to...2010-06-1029 minTalking Michigan PoliticsGovernor candidates debate; George W. Bush on war and torture; and lessons learned from blown call that ruined Tigers perfect gameOn this week's delayed version of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss Thursday's sometimes raucous governor's debate; President George W. Bush's speech in Grand Rapids; and what we can learn from the perfect game that wasn't.2010-06-0430 minTalking Michigan PoliticsGeorge W. Bush defends war in Iraq saying, 'World is a better place'In a special brief edition of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss President George W. Bush's speech to the Grand Rapids Economic Club Wednesday evening.
The former president, relaxed and seemingly at peace, struck a very human, at times somewhat conciliatory tone as he discussed his most agonizing decisions in office.2010-06-0409 minTalking Michigan PoliticsDid President Obama use GOP senators as props?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics Podcast, Matt McLogan -- GVSU vice president of university relations -- joins Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder to discuss:
1. Post-partisanship, a fading ideal. President Obama draws harsh criticism after a meeting with GOP senators Tuesday -- one of whom says the president used them as "props."
And a poll: "Anti-incumbent sentiment is as strong as it was in 1994, when the GOP swept the Democrats from power on Capitol Hill, but according to a new national poll, Americans may not be desperate for change in Congress.
A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released...2010-05-2732 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWhat do elections results in Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Arkansas tell us?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:
1. What do Tuesday's results in Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Arkansas mean? Is Obama's help a welcome thing for candidates? And will the Tea Party continue to be a factor?
2. Governor's race.
• How about a one-term pledge? Mike Bouchard has mentioned it; Joe Schwartz says it's a certainty, should he decide to run.
• Mike Cox's TV assault on Pete Hoekstra may be working. Hoekstra has taken the Americans for Tax Reform pledge, meaning he will "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes."
• The en...2010-05-2038 minTalking Michigan PoliticsInterview with Mike BouchardOn a special edition of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk with Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard about his gubernatorial candidacy. Among the questions and topics:
One term? New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is doing all the things he promised in an effort to close his state's $10 billion budget gap, which means his popularity is sagging. If Michigan's next governor does the things that need to be done, Bouchard has said it would be tough to be re-elected.
Polls: Bouchard continues to run fourth in the polls, despite some statewide name ID from...2010-05-1911 minTalking Michigan PoliticsNew round of mudslinging in Michigan governor's raceOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:
1. Candidate filing day suggests there will be blood in the race for governor. Among the topics in the governor's race:
• Republican Attorney General Mike Cox's TV ads attacking U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra and the timing with Americans for Job Security ads, which also go after Hoekstra.
• And what of a supporter of GOP candidate Rick Snyder demanding that Cox remove his image from the ad?
• Hoekstra, and Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon, come up as most winnable in surveys of Lansing insiders.
• Is Snyde...2010-05-1330 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWhat do voter-approved taxes tell us about strength of Tea Party?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:
1. Taxes. Voters said yes across West Michigan, with wide margins in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
In Grand Rapids, a proposal to hike the income tax from 1.3 to 1.5 percent for residents was adopted narrowly. Our friend, Peter Bratt, crunched the numbers (PDF).
The question that keeps coming up is whether this signals that the anti-tax Tea Party is not as influential as believed or whether the movement is focused on nameless, faceless bureaucrats in D.C. and Lansing and is not a...2010-05-0632 minTalking Michigan PoliticsHoekstra keeps rolling, Dillion makes ballot, and how voters' moods matterOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about a new poll that shows U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra hanging on to a lead among Republicans running for governor; questions over whether voter unhappiness spells good news for Republicans in November; and concerns about legacy costs and how they shape voter views ahead of key tax votes Tuesday.
1. Governor's race. New poll shows Hoekstra still leading Republicans.
And Rasmussen reports that 41 percent of all voters prefer a Republican gubernatorial candidate, 36 percent favor a Democrat, 5 percent prefer some other party and 18 percent...2010-04-2931 minTalking Michigan PoliticsMike Cox accuses Rick Snyder of launching latest attack ad salvo in governor's raceIn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about the race for governor and Michigan's lack of disclosure in campaign finance law; a poll that shows that most Tea Party faithful are doing fine financially; and the money in the Grand Rapids Congressional race:
1. Governor's race Attorney General and GOP candidate for governor Mike Cox charged a shadow group's radio ad attacking Cox's role in investigating an alleged party at the Manoogian Mansion was engineered by Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder, his rival in the governor's race. "Wasn't us," say Snyder aides.
Meanwhile...2010-04-2131 minTalking Michigan PoliticsCan Pete Hoekstra hang on to lead in Republican race for governor?Join Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder for this week's Talking Michigan Politics. Topics include:
1. The race for governor Last week's poll (PDF), that found U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Holland, hanging on to a lead in the GOP primary. Is Hoekstra's solid support in Republican-rich West Michigan enough to propel him to victory in the primary?
Does the Manoogian mansion civil case and innuendo continue to dog Attorney General Mike Cox, another GOP candidate?
As Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard continues to lag in GOP polls, does he consider a run for Congress instead?
2. Congressional races...2010-04-1531 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWill Michigan House pass ban on texting while driving?Will Michigan House pass ban on texting while driving?Will Michigan House pass ban on texting while driving?Matt McLogan, vice president of university relations at GVSU, joins Grand Rapids Press political editor Jeff Cranson on this week's Talking Michigan Politics. recorded at One Trick Pony in downtown Grand Rapids. Thanks to proprietor Dan Verhil.
The topics include:
1. The race for governor. A poll out Tuesday (PDF) from Lansing-based EPIC MRA confirms that the Democratic field has a ways to go in capturing interest, let alone excitement.
Some 72 percent of those polled said they don't recognize the name of Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, and 53 percent don't recognize House Speaker Andy Dillon who was preparing a run for months...2010-04-0832 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWill health care vote by the key issue in November election?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:
1. Health Care. Is the health care vote really going to be the big issue in November, or is it still about jobs? Some believe the vote will solidify an alliance between social and fiscal conservatives in the GOP base.
As former George W. Bush speech writer David Frum, who's rapidly falling out of favor with his party, asks: Do Republicans write a one-sentence bill declaring that the whole thing is repealed? Will they vote to reopen the "doughnut" hole for prescription drugs for seniors? To...2010-03-2430 minTalking Michigan PoliticsPlenty of early mud slinging in Michigan governor's raceOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, topics include the governor's race, education funding (and Saturday's controversial Meat Out), and the 3rd District Congressional race.
Grand Rapids Press politics editor Jeff Cranson chats with Matt McLogan, vice president for community relations at Grand Valley State University, who is pinch-hitting for Ed Golder.
1. Getting negative The race for governor heats up with allegations from Attorney General Mike Cox suggesting that fellow GOP candidate Pete Hoekstra is not the fiscal conservative he claims to be because of votes in favor of the $850 billion bank bailout, raising the debt ceiling, earmarks and his...2010-03-1832 minTalking Michigan PoliticsPoll shows Hoekstra, Snyder top two in GOP govenor's raceOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder tackle:
1. The race for governor. A new poll, released exclusively to the Grand Rapids Press and Booth Newspapers, finds Pete Hoekstra solidly out front on the GOP side with Rick Snyder continuing to surge on the strength of his TV blitz.
Attorney General Mike Cox seems to be waning. On the Democratic side, Andy Dillon holds a narrow lead over Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, though a large number of voters remain undecided.
In other news, robocalls have sparked hostility and investigations by the Secretary of State.
...2010-03-1130 minTalking Michigan PoliticsIs Justin Amash too 'Tea Party' for Grand Rapids Congressional seat?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss candidates in the race for Vern Ehler's Grand Rapids-based Congressional seat.2010-02-2330 minTalking Michigan PoliticsWill third-party Tea Party candidates help Democrats?On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder are joined by Grand Valley State University Vice President Matthew McLogan to discuss:
1. How national political developments will affect Michigan and Grand Rapids-area races. Sen. Carl Levin said this week he thinks third-party candidates, like those in the Tea Party movement, could help the Democrats in general elections in some states. Would such a movement be akin to Ross Perot in 1992? Is Obama's jobs chart scoring any points? Is the moderate 3rd Congressional district ready to make a hard right with a candidate like Justin Amash?
...2010-02-1832 minTalking Michigan PoliticsSurprising dollar figures in the Michigan governors' race; Gov. Jennifer Granholm's plan to trim the state payroll; tax proposals in Grand Rapids and other citiesOn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press politics editor Jeff Cranson and editorial page editor Ed Golder discuss:
1. Fund-raising in the governor's race. Some surprising figures on the GOP side showed Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard near $900,000 despite low poll numbers; U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra, despite campaigning for several months, raised around $475,000 with $170,000 cash on hand.
Attorney General Mike Cox, who leads in the polls even after noise in the fall about whether he scuttled an investigation into activities involving former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, raised $1.8 million and had $1.47 million in cash on hand.
Ann Arbor...2010-02-0429 minTalking Michigan PoliticsGovernor candidates forum in Grand RapidsFollowing a gubernatorial candidates' forum in Grand Rapids on Friday, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder recorded a special edition of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast.2010-01-2915 minTalking Michigan PoliticsAn upset in Massachusetts, the race for Michigan governor, and big scary fishIn this week's edition of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast recorded at Rocky's, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:
1. What does the Massachusetts Senate race mean to the remaining 2010 races? And is it a referendum on health care reform? Scott Brown won because his message moved independents, who will control many election to come and will continue to swing, demonstrating an impatience with office holders who don't get anything done.
2. The race for governor and speculation on other state and local races. Do Tuesday's results signal anything in the governor's race? Could it possibly have an impact on...2010-01-2128 minTalking Michigan PoliticsBuzz building for Denise Ilitch to run for Michigan governorIn this week's edition of the Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:
The race for governor: Anticipation builds over a Denise Ilitch candidacy when Kent County Democrats announced she would attend a party event Wednesday night, also featuring Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
ilitch.jpgDenise IlitchThe Associated Press reported that President Obama made an appearance at a meeting Ilitch was having with officials at the White House.
Meanwhile, Oakland County Executive and GOP honcho L. Brooks Patterson told reporters Republicans had hoped Lt. Gov. John Cherry would remain in the governor's race.
Fishy politics: Michigan Attorney...2010-01-1430 minTalking Michigan PoliticsDillon candidacy may surge on Cherry announcement, plus Hoekstra's fundraising letter | LaGrand's Senate run | Kent County board leaders | China's bold energy spendingIn this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss the race for governor, developments in the Grand Rapids-based 29th Senate District race, and a change in leadership on the Kent County Board2010-01-0630 min