"I think the voters see the roads issue about the same as they see the Detroit Lions,” Sellek said. “They just don’t have a lot of faith that the game winds up with a victory.”

Michigan Chamber of Commerce's Bob Thomas discusses the key public policy battles of 2019, like Line 5 and road funding, and previews the key events of January 2020, like the 4th Annual Michigan Economic Forecast Forum.

"Once absentee data is in, candidates can pinpoint where the remaining voters might be located and invest in those areas heavily, said John Sellek, who owns the public relations firm Harbor Strategic. “It may not change the amount of activity in Michigan, but it may change who is being targeted,” Sellek said. “They’ll be using all of the massive amounts of data to make a scientific judgment of how a person voted.”

"Drivers and taxpayers are frustrated and skeptical of state leaders when it comes to the roads, increasing the need for transparency and simplicity in any new road funding deal to avoid "echoes of the failures of 2015," said John Sellek, who owns the public relations firm Harbor Strategic and worked as a campaign strategist for former Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette.

"John Sellek, CEO of the Michigan based consulting business Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, said Trump is focused "like a laser on blue-collar, working-class people, including those who didn't vote in 2018 or aren't even registered."

"A visit to Toledo is another example of this, and it's a two-for-one by hitting media markets in both Michigan and Ohio," said Sellek, who's worked with Republicans. "It's a very efficient use of the candidate's time."

"John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, said, “This president has rewritten the rules on battling his opponents, so the last thing we should expect is him hiding out in the White House bowling alley during the impeachment process.”

"Gov. John ENGLER struggled through several attempts at solving his first campaign priority of cutting property taxes before ultimately doing so through a shift because the issue remained important to voters. The roads issue also remains hot so Gov. Whitmer will press forward, although I think we will see a multi-layered attempt, such as passing something through the legislature while also trying for something at the ballot. Regardless of the paths taken, they must be tested by talking to voters directly. If voters were polled on the first plan, their answers must have been completely ignored.”

"If the tunnel is sunk, the pressure actually falls to the governor and attorney general to protect Mackinac Island from a potential oil bath."

"Michigan Chamber of Commerce VP Wendy Block says Congress should act soon to again suspend the Healthcare Insurance Tax so small businesses have more of an ability to provide health insurance, and more, for their employees."

"One of the most pressing healthcare issues today is known as “surprise medical billing.” This practice occurs when an insured patient sees an out-of-network provider, oftentimes without their knowledge"

"the main turning point was the 48-hour period from July 3rd to July 4th Amash quit the GOP and Peter Meijer entered the primary. At that point, support of the president was no longer an issue of dispute in the primary and the more traditional factors of geography, name ID and funding became key.”

"Nessel's posts showed she is staking a claim on leadership of the Democratic Party, said John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs."

"In fact, it is West Michigan’s cultural conservatism that has held it closer to Republicans when similar economically successful places like Oakland and Western Wayne Counties flipped many local and state legislative seats to the Democrats,” Sellek said. “But that is changing in Kent, evidenced by both Gretchen Whitmer’s win and the president’s repeat visits there. Kent is a new battleground but one in which Republicans there still have a lot to work with going into 2020.”

"AVs are just like AARP now, they aren't just for seniors anymore." 

"Who you supported for governor matters to Republican primary voters and that shouldn't be a surprise," Sellek said. "Because for conservatives like these, supporting the gubernatorial candidate who went on to propose a 45-cent gas tax increase while vetoing funding for road repairs, public safety, and opioid recovery raises red flags."

“55% of Michigan’s propane arrives via Line 5, which is how many families heat their homes during Michigan’s winter wonderland months. Abruptly closing Line 5 and canceling the tunnel infrastructure project, without an affordable alternative energy supply for consumers, means lower thermostats and higher heating bills. The result would be like imposing a “heating tax” on our fellow Michiganians."

”Political analysts said Coulter would be a strong candidate. "It is a near certainty that (Coulter) will run for executive after recruiting high-level staff, generating positive headlines and even conducting a county-wide listening tour over the last few months," said John Sellek, who owns the public relations firm Harbor Strategic."

“While it is reasonable to carefully consider possible environmental impacts, it is not reasonable to cut off a significant part of our energy supply and stop what could be one of Michigan’s most significant infrastructure projects since the Mackinac Bridge — a project that would actually protect our environment while also protecting family budgets and our economy. 

​

”Michigan must follow the bold example set by Governor Soapy Williams and GOP legislative majorities in the legislature in the 1950s when they worked together to build the iconic Mackinac Bridge.

“Because he has never been a huge fundraiser, it is not a surprise he hasn't drawn a lot of contributions from the district," Mr. Sellek said. "The surprise is that his out-of-state fundraising has not exploded by drawing off a national universe of either pro-Libertarian donors or the anti-Trump variety."

​

”Sellek suggested Whitmer potentially has better cards than some might suppose – if she knows how to play them. “Veto and ad board, obviously,” Sellek said. “But something else that hasn’t played to the governor’s advantage yet—messaging.

“Meijer's fundraising prowess should make other candidates nervous, said John Sellek, a longtime GOP consultant and CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs. While many people assumed Meijer could self-finance his campaign by tapping his wealth, he is also locking up support from community leaders, Sellek said.”

​

”the audit "vindicates the ... industry" because it shows that "MDOT sought and accepted input, that its decisions when using that information were theirs alone and that there is zero evidence for sensational claims that the independent report authors were affected in their work."

"But Slotkin distanced herself from fellow Michigan Democrats. Slotkin's continued moderation on those issues is a "smart strategy," Sellek said, but "once you jump on board with this issue (impeachment), I think it's nearly impossible to make a separation.”

​

”What I see, what my observations are, is that they don’t trust government, they just don’t trust that it’s going to get the job done.”

"But Whitmer’s latest moves have failed to give her significant leverage after she backed down an earlier shutdown threat and agreed to postpone negotiations over a long-term road funding deal, said Republican strategist John Sellek of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs. 

​

“Republican legislators who voted for the budget can stand up and say, ‘I voted yes. The governor is the one who hurt you. Here’s her phone number. Call her and tell her that,’” said Sellek."

"A new report points to one likely culprit in what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calls a road funding crisis: The rising cost of road building materials, which has doubled over the past two decades, according to an analysis of national data by the non-partisan Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency."

"We have made incredible progress in the fight against domestic meth, but we can’t let ourselves become complacent" --

 Larry Wagenknecht, CEO of the Michigan Pharmacists Association."

"While Lansing insiders might applaud a more nuanced approach, vetoing a department budget or large government program could send a strong message that Whitmer is fighting for priorities she was elected to pursue, said John Sellek, a GOP strategist and president of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs. 

"Sellek said most everyone agrees the roads are bad –  but do not trust that a big tax increase will solve the enormity of the problem."

"What the Democrats did do with this fudge-fueled sugar high is limit the Republicans from a clear set of messaging stories coming off the conference," Sellek continued. "But that is cold comfort when they have to return to work tomorrow and face a K-12 budget passed by their own House caucus."

"Harbor Strategic Public Affairs CEO John Sellek was also at the conference. He joined Stateside to talk about how national shifts in the Republican Party are playing out in Michigan, and what state Republican leaders see as their major challenges and best strategy going into the 2020 presidential election."

"U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) says "We've entered a new era" if recent accusations about President Trump and the Ukrainian president are true and that Congress should look at "all options" in regards to dealing with Trump "

"Michigan-based Republican strategist John Sellek said he believes Trump is on the side of the workers but is trying to “thread the needle” and not “blow up” GM’s offer to save a plant or two.

“That fits his electoral victory path, and it fits his policy positions on trade,” he said. “He’s walking a more careful path rhetorically for now. But if he decides on any given day that it’s time to jump in with both feet, we shouldn’t be surprised that he does.”

"John Sellek worked for former Attorneys General Bill Schuette and Mike Cox and is currently the president and CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs. He’s seen the use of social media evolve over the years and says Nessel’s sharp sense of humor and aggressive, first-person voice bring something new to state officeholders’ use of the platform.  

“This may sound twisted, but I sense they both like the fight, and that is what makes us all tune in and talk about it,” Sellek said. “It’s a policy debate served with a big side of entertainment.”

"To haul an equivalent amount of product from Western Canada would take approximately 30,000 new trucks added to the roads and a tremendous amount of added stress put on Michigan infrastructure that would likely come from taxpayer’s wallets."

"Democrats in Michigan House of Representatives announced legislation this week to reimburse those wrongly accused of fraud by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. The agency used an automated system to detect fraud, which ended up wrongly accusing tens of thousands of people of unemployment fraud. We discuss with this week’s political commentator.  John Sellek is CEO of Harbor Strategic."

"During this political season, one issue that has yet to capture much of the discussion amongst all the debate is the need for affordable energy."

"The cost of health care has become increasingly burdensome for households and businesses across Michigan and our country. And the practice of surprise medical billing makes matters worse, hitting patients with unexpected costs. Congress must take meaningful action to end this practice." 

"As the prosecuting attorneys in two of Michigan’s largest counties, we see it all. And one of the more difficult problems we see affecting our communities is Michigan’s meth problem. The impact of this deadly drug is devastating."

"An association representing Michigan pharmacists and a county prosecutor are renewing a warning to people buying over-the-counter medicine as a raw material for manufacturing methamphetamines"

"Smurfing is no joke. It's a serious crime," Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said."

"Have you ever heard of “smurfing?” If not, you probably aren’t alone."

"The press conference Monday also served to remind the public about protections already in place to halt meth production. The National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), a computer system that tracks anyone buying Pseudoephedrine, was introduced in pharmacies in 2012.

“The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America applauds efforts to keep pseudoephedrine available to law-abiding citizens and out of the hands of meth makers, said Kathleen Slonager, executive director of the AAFA’s Michigan chapter. “It stops the criminals from abusing these medications to make their illegal meth,’’ Slonager said. “But just as importantly, it does not stop allergy sufferers from getting their medication that they so badly need.’’

"If someone comes to you and asks you to purchase some pseudoephedrine for them and they're willing to pay you money to do that, you need to think twice because chances are he or she is probably smurfing and trying to use you as one of the tools for them to cook crystal meth," said Larry Wagenknecht, the chief executive officer of the Michigan Pharmacists Association."

“The system works, they’re preventing the sales. But you’ve got to be vigilant. 

"The nearly three-hour debates and crowded stage Tuesday and Wednesday seemed to be an effort at transparency in a nomination process that people criticized as unfair in 2016, said GOP strategist John Sellek.

But Booker's comments showed the party still hadn't learned everything it should have from its loss to Trump in Michigan, he said. "It’s widely known that the biggest negative impact on turnout in 2016 was the unhappiness with the idea of Hillary Clinton as president, and she has to take responsibility for that," Sellek said." 

"You saw Gov. Whitmer and Mayor Duggan say ‘Stop, slow down,’ and they basically got run over,” Sellek said.

“Sellek added, “It’s always been an area where folks just kind of keep their head down and get their job done…It’s not a place for showboats.”

"Although Amash’s constituents may appreciate his candor, there's no guarantee the congressman will be able to keep his seat in the 2020 election."

Michigan’s summer fireworks season is now underway. The state’s 2019 summer season for igniting legal consumer fireworks started Saturday, June 29, and runs through Friday, July 5.

“Harbor’s John Sellek told Gongwer Michigan the MI3 race will “come down to "red meat issues.” Republicans are now forced to make a name for themselves by highlighting how they would address issues and not by comparing themselves to the incumbent.”

"Voters expect their officials to defend the constitution and chew gum at the same time."

“The million-dollar question between now and the filing deadline is, can the anti-Amash forces set their egos down and settle on one person to oppose him? That’s difficult to do when a congressional seat is at stake."

"The owner of the Philadelphia Phillies said, 'We're going into this expecting to spend money and maybe even be a little bit stupid about it,'" Sellek said. "If

the congressional Democrats end up with stupid money again this cycle they could go to those

districts, but they won't win."

​

“I would still call Oakland a battleground.” While Hillary Clinton won in 2016 with 51% of the vote, Mike Bouchard won reelection the same year with 60% of the vote. "Oakland County voters do tend to take each race individually," Sellek said."

"Our @JohnSellek was on the @MIRSnews pundit panel, talking Miss Margy, impeachment, Flint, and roads. "For all the talk of youth being served in politics (AOC, John JAMES, Pete BUTTIGIEG) we've got a group of septuagenarians playing high-level chess in Washington right now."."

"Vicki Barnett is a former mayor of Farmington Hills and a former Democratic state legislator. John Sellek is the CEO of the Lansing public relations firm Harbor Strategic. They join Stateside to discuss whether this idea would be a feasible alternative to Whitmer’s plan."

"Live from the Mackinac Policy Conference featuring Michigan’s most prominent thought leaders from various backgrounds engaging in spirited banter on the state’s hot-button issues. Chad Livengood moderates with panelists John Sellek and Portia Roberson."

"Dan Gilbert and the Detroit Chamber Mackinac Conference had an effect on the no-fault deal.  And while being Mr. No was seen as a breath of fresh air eight years ago, the novelty wore off as Grand Rapids surges and wants to get things done. "

"Justin has no fear,” said Sellek. “He’s been unafraid to be Mr. No on a lot of things, so generally he has been isolated and without a major accomplishment. To his credit, he’s also been unafraid to do repeated, relentless town halls — so he is both alone and out front at the same time. That puts you on an island."

"Whitmer's upfront approach is “reflective both of the confrontational political environment we’re in today but also reflects her personality," Sellek said. “Whitmer wasn’t one to back down in the Legislature, and she hasn’t changed her tune now."

"John Sellek said Whitmer’s talk of a hard-line veto of the GOP auto insurance bills inadvertently helped Republicans muster enough votes to pass no-fault reform by turning the issue into a power struggle when it didn’t have to be."

"Higher taxes cannot not be the first or only solution to our problem, we must first spend the funds we already have more efficiently. How can we do that? One way is to lower the cost of building roads in the first place."

"National Police Week is our chance to say thank you to the men and women working to keep Northern Michigan safe for our families, and it is a time to honor officers who have given their lives in the pursuit of safety and justice."

"National Police Week gives us all, including me, the opportunity to honor and thank the brave women and men of law enforcement. To all of you on the front lines, and to those we have lost in the line of duty, we salute you."

"Why would a company expand or relocate in Michigan when they see the condition of our roads and infrastructure?"

"Senators Shirkey and Ananich can play some serious chess against each other and still find a way through it all.  It was a good pressure test and all parties passed." 

"So where is meth coming from? The truth is that the vast majority of meth is now made in Mexico and smuggled into our country for distribution in our neighborhoods."

Neither this presidential search or the next MSU president can be focused on protecting or rebuilding the MSU brand at the expense of the soul of the school, which is our students, athletes, staff and alumni.

"Wolman also was remembered by former colleagues and sources as a man of intense curiosity. He could be a tough interviewer: "I have to admit over time I went from being anxiously uncertain before ed boards about what (Nolan Finley) and (Ingrid Jacques) would ask to what Jonathan Wolman would throw at us," tweeted John Sellek"

"Whitmer’s likely to agree to a compromise, since a deal on roads would mean a victory on her signature campaign issue, regardless of whether it ultimately includes a 45 cent gas tax increase, Sellek said. 'If there’s more orange barrels along the side of the road starting next year, she wins, no matter how we get to those barrels."

Is Twitter the Comic-Con of political fans? Yes, w/o costumes. @johnsellek talked with @DaveAkerlyOnAir on @1320WILS Morning Wake Up about a @nytimes study (@Nate_Cohn & @KevinQ) showing folks talking politics online are way more intense than those who don't.

Sister Pie bakery of Detroit's West Village is a national finalist for a James Beard Best Baker award. Lisa tells Paul W. Smith she is honored to be considered for this prestigious award and she also brings a chocolate peanut butter pie to the WJR studios. 

"If the tunnel is sunk, the pressure actually falls to the Governor and Attorney General to protect Mackinac Island from a potential oil bath," Sellek continued. “But they don’t sound too worried, which tells me they are ready for a second act-- closing the pipeline itself."

Last week, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) became the ninth Democrat to throw a hat into the ring for the 2020 presidential contest. On Detroit Today, Stephen Henderson speaks with a couple of people who are following the race.

“The public clamor for road repair is louder than ever, and it’s clear the Legislature and governor both hear it,” Sellek said. 

"Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she won't sign a budget that doesn't include a road-funding fix. Old friends Matt Resch and John Sellek recap how Michigan's national profile in the presidential race could have implications on the state policy front.'  

"Right now, West Michigan is the new battleground,” said John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs and who ran Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign in Michigan." 

"West Michigan as a whole is “still more conservative” than Oakland County and other suburban regions that are trending toward Democrats," Sellek said. 

“If Bouchard runs, probably nobody challenges him in the primary. If Bouchard doesn’t run, then it looks like the 2020 Democratic primary for president,” Sellek said, suggesting a large field.'

Our political commentators analyze the potential plans and what roadblocks lay ahead.  John Sellek is CEO of Lansing public relations firm Harbor Strategic.  

Beto and Gillibrand in #Michigan. John James & Gary Peters tied? #Spartans 3-0 vs U-M. Mom screaming at the TV as my earliest memory of why Spartan fans and Izzo have a chip on their shoulder. Had a blast with @DaveAkerlyOnAir on @1320WILS Morning Wake Up!

You can’t afford to miss work and you have a family to take care of. You don’t have the time for this new hassle, not to mention the additional co-pay costs you’ll now have to budget for.

"Data released from a recent survey conducted by The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association indicates more than half of Michigan residents are not supportive of “any state public policy” that would require a doctor’s prescription to purchase over-the-counter, or OTC, cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine"

While the MI Chamber supports efforts to prevent the production of meth, we are opposed to making the products Rx because it would force these costs into insurance, making healthcare more expensive.

Ken talks with Carlos Gutiérrez, Vice President for State and Local Government Affairs at Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Roads are such a top issue, there’s “growing support for doing something big, something that makes a true impact on our economy,” said John Sellek, a GOP strategist

59% of Michiganders oppose a prescription-only policy for common cold and allergy medicines with pseudoephedrine as an ingredient. 

Listen in to WILS Dave Akerly to hear the rest of the results on a recent poll in Michigan released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - Michigan Chapter.

Jimmy Johns. Pot holes. Gas taxes. We covered it all on WTCM's Ron Jolly Show. As I was taught in the House, the governor proposes and the legislature disposes. So now begins a different type of March Madness— the road funding debate. #migov #Michigan

Michigan Republican strategist John Sellek said he helped staff Bush in 2000 as he campaigned for his son, George W. Bush. "I just kept my head down and worked. On the second day, we opened early at a breakfast," Sellek recalled on Twitter. "He smiled and said, 'It’s you and me again today!' That was the kindness I saw from him repeatedly. Rest In Peace, Mr. President."

We talk to our Friday political commentators about the minimum wage and paid sick leave laws that go into effect at the end of March. We also get their take on Governor Whitmer’s second attempt at reorganizing the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson is joined by MLive reporter Emily Lawler and WDET’s Jake Neher to talk about the many measures facing a vote of the Legislature this Lame Duck and also talks shop with John Sellek, President of Harbor Strategic.