Will Brian Calley's attacks on Republican gubernatorial rival Bill Schuette have any lasting effects in the GOP primary? If so, what would they be? The MIRS team breaks down the last week's gubernatorial forums along with the future of Shri Thanedar, who is suspending his heavy TV ad schedule starting this week. What impact will Thanedar "going dark" have on his prospects in the Democratic primary?

And MIRS remembers the late former Sen. Patty Birkholz this week with former Senate policy advisor Bob Wilson, now the executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. Wilson talks about Birkholz's legacy on conservation and environmental issues, along with her bi-partisan, policy-minded focus as a legislator.