Michigan Politics & Elections

National, State, Local Political News, Polls, Blogs & Video

Members of a union representing 17,000 state workers in Michigan have voted to ratify a contract agreement that includes concessions but avoids 10 unpaid days off in 2010. Full story »

Victory within reach, President Barack Obama set his sights on rallying House Democrats on Saturday for a final health care push as party leaders appeared confident they had overcome a flare-up within their ranks over abortion funding restrictions in the legislation. Full story »

The owner of a Kalamazoo County greenhouse who thought he was in step with the alternative energy push being made by the state of Michigan, instead says he feels burned after his $4 million investment resulted in a $7,700 increase in taxes. Full story »

Only 15 percent of funding would go to control exotic species such as Asian carp.  Full story »

When President Barack Obama stops by Ann Arbor May 1, Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska and 2008 vice presidential candidate, will be nearby. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin delivers remarks at the Orange County Republican Executive Committee Lincoln... Full story »

Let's get this out here now. The budgets being debated right now in Michigan are not worth the paper they're printed on. Plans from the governor, the House and the Senate for getting the state's financial house in order this year are all fiction. Full story »

Democratic House Speaker state Rep. Andy Dillon and Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra said Friday a more business-friendly government can help reduce Michigan's nation-leading unemployment rate. Full story »

U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee is defending his decision to back Senate health insurance reform, declaring those who claim it would support federal funding of abortion are "wrong." Full story »

In this morning's links: Rick Snyder, Mike Cox and Pete Hoekstra are in a dead heat for the Republican nomination for governor, according to a new poll, Google Analytics finally updates its Michigan map, Michigan lawmakers eye legalizing certain fireworks, and more. Full story »

Though the U.S. Senate recently passed a bill that would extend several insurance-related federal programs until the end of the year, U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) has introduced another single-month extension bill. "We're glad they're at least working to make sure there's not another lapse," said Matt Brady, a spokesman for the National... Full story »

Michael Gerson gave the 14th annual Paul B. Henry Lecture at Calvin College.  Full story »

Jon Felske, superintendent of Wyoming and Godwin Heights public schools: "I like that it is requiring some effectiveness of teachers to be determined by how their kids do on tests." Full story »

Obama and Democratic leaders focused their lobbying on two groups of Democrats, 37 who voted against an earlier bill in the House and 40 who voted for it only after first making sure it would include strict abortion limits that now have been modified. Full story »

The Michigan House has passed legislation that would add a $2.50 daily charge on vehicles rented at airports to help pay for a tourism advertising campaign. Full story »

Traffic violations would cost Michigan motorists an extra $5 under a plan that could soon face a vote in the state House. A Michigan State Police budget that depends on raising roughly $6 million through the additional fines passed the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday. The legislation faces an uncertain future because both Democrats and Republicans have concerns about parts... Full story »