Michigan Truth Squad
For too long some Michigan politicians and their consultants have stretched the truth, broken trust with citizens, and ignored the consequences of the things they say. The result is undue mistrust in our political process, one that is ultimately controlled by citizens – ideally informed citizens like you who are taking the time to learn about the issues and the people who represent them in our representative democracy.
The Michigan Truth Squad is a reporting project of Bridge Magazine and The Center for Michigan. Each analysis is produced by the staff of Bridge Magazine and freelancers with deep experience in state politics and policy. Our Truth Squad team has more than 100 years of combined experience as journalists covering Michigan politics, public policy, and current events.
Spread the word – we’re ready to blow the whistle on Michigan politics.
Popular Articles
Articles
Warning to state GOP for accusation on Schauer campaign probe
Two weeks after the state dismissed GOP’s complaint, Republican website continues to say the complaint is being investigated.
The wedding dress is fetching, but the claims are crepe
"Brittany” has been one busy bride-to-be, endorsing Republican gubernatorial candidates, including Rick Snyder, because they fit her so well.
Foul on Snyder ad for portrayal of Schauer school vote
A veteran teacher defends Gov. Snyder’s commitment to properly funding K-12 education, but goes awry in saying challenger Schauer voted to cut school budget.
Foul on anti-Schauer ad tying Obamacare to higher taxes
A Republican Governors Association ad claims Obamacare, which Schauer supported, has raised costs and lessened coverage for Michigan seniors.
Fake news site attacking Dem congressional candidate earns flagrant foul
The “South Michigan Update” nails the spending record of Democrat Pam Byrnes. But it turns out this “publication” is fake, and so is the journalism.
Anti-Walberg ad receives flagrant foul for evidence-free claim about flights
If voters don’t like Congress members’ pay and perks, should they vote out the incumbent? That’s the message of an attack ad on Tim Walberg.
Anti-Schauer ad overplays his ‘rock star’ status
The Democratic gubernatorial nominee played a part in raising taxes under Gov. Jennifer Granholm, but he did not cast deciding vote. And hanging the state’s economic recession on the pair is not supported by the evidence.
Foul for anti-Snyder ad linking pay raises to schools
The governor is facing heat for giving huge raises to treasury executives and government contracts to his cousin’s company. But this ad goes overboard in suggesting those payments shortchanged the state’s public schools.
Flagrant foul to teachers group for video bashing Snyder
The MEA attacks governor for education cuts that it says led to slashed programs and big bonuses for CEOs.
Truth Squad gives warning in Snyder 'Numbers' ad
Gov. Snyder gives himself a low-key pat on the back for economic improvements he says he has made as governor, and we run the numbers.
Truth Squad calls foul on Snyder attack ad
There is no question that many Michigan seniors are taking a tax hit on pensions and property taxes under the governor’s tax reforms. Dems attack this vulnerability but go too far.
Truth Squad foul for saying Schauer “nearly destroyed” Michigan
GOP guvs offer grim portrait of state’s financial decline under Granholm, when Mark Schauer was in the Senate. But ad ignores auto crisis in assigning blame.
Truth Squad issues warning on ad attacking AG Schuette
Democratic challenger Mark Totten takes the gloves off and sets them on fire in painting Bill Schuette as a right-wing zealot.
Truth Squad gives foul for image used in anti-Schauer ad
An ad attacking Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer would have been fine had it stuck to its tax-and-spend critique. But one image changed all that.
Warning on guv candidate Schauer’s first TV ad
If the economy is only working for the wealthy, Schauer should provide some evidence.
Foul on Snyder for playing word games with pension tax
The governor argues that sometimes a tax isn’t a tax - a claim that few seem to buy.
Anti-Peters 'Roadblock' ad hits a speed bump
A 30-second TV ad and web post reprising Peters support for foreign firms is true, but incomplete.
Land ad hits Peters for accepting Wall Street cash
The Republican candidate's Wall Street commercial walks the line between hyperbole and truth.
Charge and counter-charge in West Michigan Congressional battlefield
U.S. Rep. Justin Amash and challenger Brian Ellis are trading blows in the 3rd District GOP primary. Both are fouling.
Still-unbuilt bridge at center of candidate scuffle, drawing a warning
Democratic rivals are trading charges over legislation for a bridge to Canada in the 4th District State Senate primary race.
