State Bytes

We welcomed Brian Grace from The Nexus Group September 23 to talk about one of the few gubernatorial races that is actually competitive this cycle. Brian also gives us an overview of the competitive races in the state house and state senate. He also gives a shout-out to his favorite quarantine television show!

We chatted with Mike Bivens of Bivens & Associates September 23 to give us a lay of the land in the upcoming state house and senate races. Mike shares his thoughts on what’s coming down the pike for next legislative session and what his last meal on earth would be!

Wayne Lair Jr. of Statewide Public Affairs sat down with us virtually on September 22 talk about the outcomes of the Assembly and Senate primaries, the new make-up of leadership in the chambers, and how the coronavirus pandemic has effected New York state and New York City. Wayne also gives us a Netflix suggestion!

Mike Biberstine of Frost Brown Todd LLC came on the pod September 21 to talk about what issues are taking center stage in the gubernatorial race and how the attorney general race was shaken up after Republicans did not re-nominate the current Republican incumbent. Mike also tells us what his last meal on earth would be!

John Thompson, of John Thompson Consulting, joined us September 21 to talk about mail-in ballot procedures, the current budget short-fall, and the leadership vacuum created in the Roundhouse due to a handful of incumbents losing their primary races. He also shares his favorite quarantine recipe!

James McSpadden, Brett Robinson, and Seth Rott of MMR gave us an overview of Oklahoma politics on September 18. We learned about the dynamics of the legislative session during COVID and what issues are coming down the pike next year – including Medicaid expansion. And of course, we talked about the King!

Mike Triplett, owner of Triplett Enterprises, came on the pod September 15 to talk about the hotly contested House races. He thinks it will be an extremely late night on election day in Iowa. Mike also talks about the state’s unique redistricting commission.

Mike Cassidy from McGuire Woods joined us September 14 to talk about how turnout in a presidential year may endanger some state legislators, and how a big ballot measure could affect the election and the state’s budget for years to come. He also tries to choose a favorite Chicago sports team and describes what would be his last meal on earth.

We welcomed seasoned podcast host (check out The Political Life!) Jim O’Brien and his associate James Woulfe of The Connecticut Group onto the pod on September 2. They outline the angst by candidates about the changes that have been made the election schedule this cycle due to COVID and how different the Legislature may look next year. Jim and James throw out some of their favorite quarantine shows.

Paul Cosgrove of Tonkon Torp came on the pod September 2 to lend us some knowledge on Oregon politics. Paul explains how the winner of the state’s Secretary of State race could have a bigger impact on the state’s future could have than some may realize. He also introduces us to a new British crime show!