The race to be the Republican nominee for Michigan Governor became the latest black eye for the Michigan GOP as petitions from at least 3 of the candidates may have fraudulent signatures. That could mean Perry Johnson, James Craig and/or Tudor Dixon don't even show up on the primary ballot. Craig has even more problems as northern Michigan Congressman Jack Bergman switches his endorsement from Craig to Johnson, and the former Detroit police chief reports lackluster fundraising.

Adding to the drama of the week: a state party convention described by multiple Republicans as a "shit show" as delegates endorsed Trump-back Big Lie believers for Attorney General and Secretary of State. John Truscott, who served as communications director for former Republican Gov. John Engler, tweeted

On top of that, would-be state House Speaker Matt Maddock was expelled from the House GOP caucus, and congressional candidate Tom Barrett dove head-first into the swamp by alleging support for sexual exploitation of children by his opponent. Helping us wade through the week's GOP chaos is award-winning reporter Jonathan Oosting of Bridge Michigan. He has a master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University and has previously worked for The Detroit News and MLive Media Group. He is Grand Rapids native and lives in Lansing with his wife and new daughter Mara (who makes a cameo appearance!).

________________________________________________________________________________

This week's podcast is sponsored by EPIC • MRA, the state's top-rated public opinion research service.

EPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in:

Public Opinion Surveys - Market Research Studies

Live Telephone Surveys, On-Line and Automated Surveys

Focus Group Research

Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns

Political Campaigns & Consulting

Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research

Community - Media Relations

Issue - Image Management

Database Development & List Management