"Peters is obviously a smart guy. He’s been through politics for a very long time. He has the experience to know what he’s doing, but his campaign has been more about that ‘he’s the best constituent service guy’ in a way that hasn’t captured the attention of people.”

“There is most definitely a path for James as he will likely run ahead of Trump by establishing his own presence as a candidate, but Biden is making it tougher by bringing in Obama to excite the Black vote in a way Peters failed to do,” Sellek said.

“There is most definitely a path for James as he will likely run ahead of Trump by establishing his own presence as a candidate, but Biden is making it tougher by bringing in Obama to excite the Black vote in a way Peters failed to do,” Sellek said.

"That's not a comfortable feeling if you're the Peters campaign," Harbor Strategic CEO John Sellek said. "Concern throughout the party is there."

“With the election less than a week away, Oakland University Political Science Professor David Dulio and Harbor Strategic Founder and CEO John Sellek joined MLive on a live broadcast"

"Sellek said Republicans also are posing solid fundraising numbers, running TV ads in key races and still benefiting from districts that they drew in 2011. “Even if it’s 10 years old, [the districts] still favor Republicans,” Sellek said.

“Trump’s return to the suburbs will be “really important not only for him, but for all the down ticket Republicans in Michigan,” said John Sellek, a GOP strategist with Harbor Strategic Public Affairs. Even if Trump doesn’t win Michigan, a competitive showing could provide a “huge boost” to GOP candidates "

"Sellek (R), Harbor Strategic in Michigan: “Polling here shows Biden leading amongst those who voted early so far, yet we are consistently seeing Republican voters expressing slightly higher excitement about voting than Democrats."

“Scholten was allowed to build her reputation for a long time and so now, when you come in and start trying to explain some of her more progressive positions on her issues, it might be a little harder for voters to believe that because Scholten herself hasn't explained that."

"There is nothing more valuable than a candidate's time, so it is clear the Trump campaign is fighting for Michigan because it is matching or exceeding the number of visits by the Biden team," said Sellek, who has previously worked for Republicans.” 

“The massive levels of turnout Trump drew in counties from Clare north... these margins were just piling up to unseen levels," Sellek said."

"In any debate, absent a major gaffe, the one leading going is in is usually the one leading going out. Now they return to the battlefield.” 

“Sellek said James is keeping the race relatively close by humanizing himself through his numerous TV ads. "It's certainly hurting him," Sellek said of Peters’ more "distant, consultant-looking ads." "He's very serious, kind of dower . . . not humorous or entertaining. For all the negativity that's out there and all the fighting, being likable in politics still does matter"

"Instead, two political neophytes are trying to introduce themselves at a time of upheaval and disruption — amid a pandemic, a raucous presidential election and a lot of frustration with Trump, said Sellek, who has managed high-profile Republican campaigns in Michigan. By traditional measures, he gives Meijer the edge, noting his military service, low-key style and ability to talk about compassion and caring "very comfortably." Sellek said Meijer has figured out a way to talk to the suburbs that many Republicans haven't.” 

“It's completely and utterly shocking, yet somehow not surprising in 2020."

"Harbor Strategic CEO John Sellek said Mr. Peters is a very methodical politician who does not often seek the spotlight. He said as a politician that can be an effective way to operate but does not translate well to a campaign. He said what he called underwhelming performance with Black voters in particular has "got to be a concern for Democrats." Mr. Sellek said three months out from an election that could maybe be chalked up to lack of attention to the race, but three weeks out that should raise some red flags.” 

“So far the third parties aren’t registering at the same level. Overall the sense among most pundits and pollsters is that the third-party candidates don’t seem to be in line to make as much of an impact this time,” said John Sellek, a veteran GOP strategist and founder of Harbor Strategic Communications."

'What we’ll find when this election cycle is over is that no-reason absentee or early voting will have massively increased the amount of money raised and spent by the parties," Sellek said. "Because Election Day is now starting in late September rather than 7 a.m. Nov. 3.” 

“Michigan Republican John Sellek, who ran Romney’s 2012 Michigan campaign, said soft Republicans looking for a final reason to support Biden are finding one in Trump’s response to Whitmer. “Just as in the first debate, what the president could have done when he was asked, he could have clearly put down white supremacists,” Sellek said. “And he clearly didn’t do it."

'(Scholten) is trying to act like a replacement for a Republican in a year when a lot of people are very frustrated with President Trump and, therefore, the Republican Party," Mr. Sellek said. "She is essentially saying, I know you normally vote Republican, and I know this Peter Meijer guy sounds nice – but you don't like Republicans right now, so come vote for me and I'll act like one."

“Sellek agreed with the assessment on shifting Republican strategy, noting recent pushes toward registration drives and its targeted focus on campaign areas like Saginaw and mid-Michigan and not just places like southeast or western Michigan."

“This is what Trump has inspired in the state: liberate Michigan and attack Whitmer,” said John Sellek, a Republican political consultant in Brighton."

“John Sellek, a veteran GOP strategist and founder of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, said the Supreme Court vacancy could make a difference in West Michigan, where religious traditions run deep. “The Supreme Court pick certainly is something that will cause a lot of people who don’t like Trump’s style to now have this tangible thing they can put in their hand and say: This is why I still need to vote for Trump,” Sellek said."

“This is what Trump has inspired in the state: liberate Michigan and attack Whitmer,” said John Sellek, a Republican political consultant in Brighton."

“It’s perhaps the ultimate October surprise, one that traps Trump in the White House and may take Biden off the trail just as he and his campaign were going public again,” said John Sellek, a veteran GOP strategist and founder of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs."

“John Sellek agrees. Now the head of a Lansing-based public relations agency, this former Republican political adviser led Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign in Michigan."

“Going to West Michigan, and Kent County in particular, is their attempt to put their foot on Trump’s throat,” said John Sellek, a veteran GOP strategist."

“Both missed opportunities, such as Biden refusing to disown radical ideas like court packing and Trump missing the chance to firmly criticize racial injustice."

“John, a Republican from Harbor Strategic, and Adrian, a Democrat from Grassroots Midwest, continue the discussion from last night's presidential debate."

“Michigan politics watchers say the 10th District was primed for a woman to win. Back in 2002 it elected Candice Miller as its representative in the House, and voters kept re-electing her until she stepped down in 2016. “It’s a district that has shown repeatedly that it values women in office,” says John Sellek, a Republican public-relations consultant.”

“James is uniquely suited to be able to speak to some of those concerns in a way other Republicans aren’t,” said John Sellek, a Republican political consultant."

“This will go down, the Michigan Anderson case will go down, as the most egregious, insidious, molestation, rape and abuse and cover-up in the history of sports,” Vaughn said.”

“Operating Engineers union members gathered outside the Capitol ahead of the vote, encouraging support so the gravel would be available for paving or road projects. ”

"John Sellek, a spokesman for a coalition of construction and aggregate trade groups called the Build It Michigan Strong coalition said in a press release,  "SB 431 is an infrastructure bill that will help reduce construction costs."

“Last time there may have been apathy around Hillary,” said John Sellek, a longtime GOP strategist in Michigan."

“Can he undo nearly two years of branding that's been done for Slotkin? It'll be very difficult without a whole lot of money,” said Sellek.”

"While Biden is leading in most polling, Trump maintains leads when it comes to which candidate will do better on the economy, Sellek noted.”

“The candidate schedules tell you everything you need to know,” said Sellek, founder of Harbor strategic Public Affairs. “For Biden, restoring some part of the blue wall is key to him winning ... For the Republican side, the map is not getting any bigger. They can’t afford to let Michigan fall off the radar. So we are going to start seeing a lot more attention.”

"What scares Republicans is the change in Livingston,” said John Sellek, a local GOP strategist. “It’s a high-growth area, and that growth is coming from suburbanites who aren’t sure they identify as Republicans anymore.”

“Any digital fundraising team worth their salt will 100 percent attempt to take advantage of a recall effort," Sellek said."

"Today on Stateside, after two weeks of political conventions, we’ll get an analysis about how both parties presented their nominee and what takeaways there were for Michigan voters."

“If you’re trying to keep the lights on in Michigan while the TV is off, then having the president or vice president dropping into Northern Michigan is a smart thing to do,” Sellek."

He says this year’s televised and highly controlled convention may be a new way forward. “Conventions may be changed forever, and maybe not in a good way,” says Sellek.

“Michigan is often won through its economy and blue collar workers, said Sellek. That's why Whitmer's speech felt like it was about COVID but was "primarily an appeal for blue collar workers who left the Democrats in 2016 to return," he said."

The ability of convention organizers to be creative and create something more than a string of Zoom recordings will be key to people staying tuned in. 

“The fight for control of the Michigan House of Representatives is a major focus for Governor Whitmer,” Sellek said. “I suspect we will see an increase in activity from her now that the veepstakes are over and she seeks to have more leverage over the last two-years of her term heading into reelection in 2022."

“The law and order label that was somewhat toxic for [Ms. Harris] in the primary will actually make it harder to label her as threatening to the suburbs,” said John Sellek, a GOP strategist in Michigan who was an adviser to the last two Republican attorneys general in the state.” 

“John Sellek, who runs Harbor Strategic Public Affairs in Brighton and who consults with Republican candidates, said Biden’s view may be even simpler: “I think No. 1 is that she’s tangled with Trump and she’s come out ahead.”

“In 2018, did we witness the permanent shift of the suburbs to the Democratic Party in this larger realignment we’re seeing?" Sellek said. "Or are the suburbs going to remain a battleground that goes back and forth every cycle?” 

“We already saw the first layer of Republican seats peeled off in the suburbs, and now it’s starting to reach further out,” said GOP consultant John Sellek of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs. “We’re getting to the outer edges of Oakland County now, which used to be completely safe. Those are now the battlegrounds.”

“Given the new reality, partially created by the COVID-19 pandemic but also Michigan’s expanded voting rights, Republican candidates will have to adjust to the rise in absentee voting or they’ll be at a disadvantage, said John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic.”

“Right now, we're going through a period where there isn't a whole lot of trust in a whole lot of institutions in American government. And that basic one that we've got to be able to hold on to is the integrity of the vote.”

“Sellek, a Republican and CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, identified the Democratic primary for Oakland County executive as among the most interesting.”

“There will be on-and-off skirmishes in the blue wall states, but for now, it looks like some of the fights we’ll see are in the Republican base states.”

“the part we have to hold on to is the integrity of the vote.”

“At this point the protests in Detroit have primarily been peaceful. When there have been flare ups, Chief Craig has done a good job getting in front of them. And, Mayor Duggan, unlike other mayors, has had thick enough skin to be firm when needed. So, sending federal troops into Detroit would be a head scratcher. The focus for local authorities right now is on neighborhood gun violence.”

“They’re still heading to the same place, which is let’s get Grand Rapids and West Michigan back on track after everything we’ve been through this year,” he said. “But you almost never see Meijer take an angry or strident tone and I think that reflects the difference in their personalities.”

“In a now swing district, any time that your candidates are having to run all the way to the left or all the way to the right, it's going to be a problem," he added. "And Haley Stevens has been able to stay, at least publicity-wise, in the moderate wing.”

“There will be on-and-off skirmishes in the blue wall states, but for now, it looks like some of the fights we’ll see are in the Republican base states."

“What we see when we look at the candidates closer to the ground like county wide office, state representatives, and so forth is it doesn’t matter what party you’re in. They are realizing they need to get to the doors. And they are finding ways to do it, both as Republicans and Democrats.”

“The moment COVID-19 was confirmed in Michigan wasn’t that much different than the day President (George W.) Bush was sitting in a classroom trying to pursue his policy reform, education, on Sept. 11, 2001"

“Any Republican candidate was going to face an uphill battle in the 8th because they’re facing an incumbent with a ton of earned media, a disciplined, moderate message and a historic fundraising record.”

“They essentially agree on all the issues, but they differ on style and strategy, right now. Meijer from the get-go has had a message with softer edges on it and Lynn has been pushing real hard to the right and openly appealing to the base."

"Sellek said Michigan has been a bit different than races in other states. The Democrats nationally have the advantage in digital campaign fundraising infrastructure and have been able to capitalize on attracting a large donor base of small donors. He added that "John James has really been the only of the Republicans" who have been able to match the Democrats in that arena."

“The timing is essential. “Based on other recent initiatives, it’s possible they will need all 180 days just to ensure it got to the Legislature by lame duck, so they barely got started in time,” says John Sellek, CEO of Lansing-based Harbor Strategic Public Affairs.

Sellek said, “Because mail-in voting is occurring at such an incredibly high rate, the chances are better than ever that somebody could turn around and walk back to their kitchen table and just mark your name down on the ballot.”

“The district is unique because it’s really three districts—west, central and east,” says John Sellek"

“Sellek, founder of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, said partisan groups face an uphill battle gaining voters’ attention while the pandemic, economic downturn and protest movements are ongoing. “The ability for a third party group to just drop into a state and really make an impact into an average voter’s daily routine is difficult at best.” 

“By participating in the PPP program, along with many other Lansing small businesses, we were able to keep working for our teachers, hospitals and firefighters when they needed it most."

“While it may take much of the 180 days to collect the signatures in a social distancing era, the timing of when it is submitted to the Legislature for a vote may be an indication of the issue's importance in the elections," said Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs in Lansing."

“Q. Republicans in the House aren’t wearing masks, Dems are. Which is doing the right thing politically? Each is playing to their supporters," Sellek asserts. “But find me a normal person who watches House session & I’ll buy you (take-out) lunch.”

“Michigan has gone through an unforgettable experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is something else we should not forget: fixing the damn roads. We need bold, creative reforms to stretch our remaining road funding further, such a creating uniform statewide rules that increase access to road building materials, helping to keep construction costs down."

“Any digital fundraising team worth their salt will 100 percent attempt to take advantage of a recall effort, even if the recall effort has absolutely no chance of making progress,” said John Sellek.”

“Most of these politicians know that there is an eventual way forward in which we have to not just acknowledge but implement reforms that protect African Americans and minorities, make them feel heard, make them feel safer, and continue to have law enforcement,” Sellek said.

"She didn’t initiate any of these problems, but her legacy is going to be determined by how she responds to them and how effective she is in responding to them,” said Sellek. “She is facing something unlike any other Michigan governor has in modern history.”

"The boat parades are essentially recreating Trump rallies, but with social distancing built in,” said John Sellek.

"As John Sellek, longtime Republican politico and founder of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs put it, “I think it’s safe to say it’s one of the worst relationships in the history of Michigan state government.”

"When any president visits an auto factory in Michigan, regardless of the product they are producing, it’s really about one thing: The economy,” Sellek said."

"And it's a time when his Democratic opponent isn't traveling. Here's how John Sellek, a Republican strategist in Lansing, explained it to me.

"It's a state that the president won in 2016. And by all accounts, he needs and wants to win it again this election cycle.

"Duggan, a friend and early supporter of Biden's, has kept his response largely focused on detail, data, facts and a local strategy to combat the virus. Whitmer, a potential Democratic running mate for Biden, appeared frequently on state and national TV to discuss the state's response and the federal government's alleged failings in the crisis."

"John Sellek talked with Gongwer News Service Michigan about Rep. Justin Amash dropping out of the presidential race: 

"After abandoning three different political labels– Republican, Independent & Libertarian— in the last year to avoid a loss, he now just looks lost."

"adding more anti-Trump candidates dilutes the anti-Trump vote, which hurts Democrats," John Sellek, CEO of the consulting firm Harbor Strategic Public Affairs

"It's no surprise Amash is running despite no chance to win because it was the next logical step for someone who, while firm in his beliefs and strong in his love of country, has always mixed that with a healthy dose of attention seeking."

"If your theory of the race is that it’s a referendum on the president, which I believe it is, adding more anti-Trump candidates dilutes the anti-Trump vote, which hurts Democrats as polling has shown in Michigan," Sellek said"

"Michigan’s economy by all accounts was on quite a roll recently. Unemployment was low, incomes were growing and Detroit’s comeback became a national story. Things were good. 

Then the unthinkable happened: a pandemic."

"It wasn't his wife's choice. It wasn't anyone else's choice. It was Sen. Zorn's choice.

And it was a huge mistake.”

"As the national media covers the presidential race this year, local farmers have been watching with great interest. That’s because a number of policy proposals being debated at the presidential level may have a significant impact on Michigan's agriculture industry and overall economy."

"The Legislature is hearing from thousands of people everyday who only know the bits of information they pull from the television. And they are either fearful or angry or both," said Sellek, a Republican and former legislative staffer. In the midst of an emergency, "there’s not much of an input point for the public, and usually the Legislature is the branch that fulfills that role.”

"Whitmer Talks PB & Js On Biden's Podcast"

"Michigan Democrats had been watching "an intense nomination fight with enough titillating twists, turns, characters and comebacks to qualify as a network mini-series, culminating in a two-person battle for the soul of the party they were told they got to decide," said John Sellek, a Republican and CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs in Lansing.

"Instead of winning by simply saying he is not Bernie, he must now build the campaign infrastructure he lacks and, more importantly, a durable message detailing what he would do as president that can consistently survive the eight-month slog to Election Day we are about to commence."

"John and Dave talk about the primaries today and what stands out at the bitter end.

"When you’re this close to Election Day, candidate election schedules tell you everything you need to know about how the race is going,” Sellek said."

"Join Michigan Radio’s It's Just Politics team of Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta, and Joe DiSano and John Sellek the day before Michigan’s primary election for this fast paced look at the presidential race and how it may play out across the state.

"Imagine turning on the radio while stuck in traffic and hearing that a new road or bridge was proposed to ease your traffic problems, but will have to wait 10 years for regulatory approval before the first shovel of dirt is turned."

"It's kind of put up or shut up time," and although he does not think Whitmer will endorse this week, "it's better to be on the winning team than no team," Sellek said.

"Sellek pointed out that while shopping malls, landfills and other industrial facilities can be zoned for specific places, mining can only happen specifically where sand, gravel and limestone are located underground."

"You can zone where a manufacturing plant should be located a lot of times, but Mother Nature decided where the gravel is,” he said. “It doesn’t fit the normal mold of zoning.”

"Republican Congressman Fred Upton has announced his re-election bid, but the 2018 election could foretell a fight to keep his seat. We discuss with John Sellek."

"John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, said the visits target two key constituencies that helped deliver Michigan to a Republican presidential nominee for the first time in decades -- farmers and blue-collar workers."

"For Slotkin and Democrats like her, the question is whether voters buy the focus on local issues in the Twitter-centric Trump era, said Michigan consultant John Sellek. In Slotkin’s case, he pointed out, she sought a national profile by speaking widely about her background as a former CIA officer and taking leading roles on impeachment and Iran."

"Considering the district has been so solidly Republican for a long time, the choice between Amash and Meijer, or even Afendoulis at this point, is seen to be protest vote against the president or to turn the page and focus on the bread and butter conservative issues that people are talking about in other districts," Mr. Sellek said.

"James, like U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, has been able to draw contributions from donors across the country, said John Sellek, CEO of the Lansing-based consulting firm Harbor Strategic Public Affairs."

"More on the democratic primaries from John Sellek. John and Dave also take a close look at Michael Bloomberg.

"Some pundits mused that Democrats may have given Whitmer the national spotlight to audition for vice president. John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, said Whitmer’s ability to win over suburban voters in a battleground state put her in the “sweet spot” for consideration."

"John Sellek, who helms the Lansing public relations firm Harbor Strategic Public Affairs and ran communications for Governor Whitmer’s erstwhile Republican opponent former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, said Whitmer delivered the speech Democratic leadership had commissioned her to give."

"John Sellek stops by to talk about the Iowa Caucus and Governor Whitmer’s state of the union response.

"Back in our House days, Whitmer was the "frequent, sometimes fiery, critic of Republican policies" but now does it with a smile, positioning as a "more moderate-sounding figure." She "matured in her political style since she was in the Legislature,” said Sellek. “Her style as governor has been to be forceful, but to portray optimism.”

"National Democrats know their voters are tiring from the endless slog of the primaries, so their goal here is to give these people a fresh face and a general election message that reminds them they will soon have a nominee and turn the fight to Trump instead of each other,” Sellek said.

"I gotta give John Sellek a shout out, who basically said these speeches are sort of like cotton candy. If you do well, they melt in your mouth and you forget about it, and if you don't, it's very sticky."

"We talk to our Friday political commentators about how she might position Michigan as a key player in a contentious election year. John Sellek is the CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Relations. Matt Friedman is co-founder of the Tanner Friedman public relations firm."

"John Sellek, the founder and CEO of Lansing-based Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, called the ad buy "unprecedented" for a mid-term policy proposal. "Since the roads cannot literally be fixed before the 2022 election, they are fighting to define what 'fixed' will mean in the minds of voters, and this is an aggressive way to do so," added Sellek, who worked for Republican Bill Schuette, who ran against Whitmer in 2018."

"The governor advised, “I’m going to stay hydrated but not too hydrated,” she laughed. From a public perception standpoint, Whitmer’s prime-time appearance can cut one of two ways for the governor, said John Sellek of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs. At best, the speech will go well. It’ll be like “cotton candy.” Listeners will find it sweet before it melts from their memories. At worst, she could make a blunder like Rubio’s drink of water."

"Sellek said the fact three women have come forward would suggest "it's a pattern." As the husband of a woman "who's been there," he concurred that Lucido has a problem and the longer he waits to address it, the harder it 

becomes to undo any damage.

"She will not be apologizing for proposing 45-cents or pulling a President Bill CLINTON when he said, 'Maybe I raised your taxes too much.' Her overarching goal at all times is to show boldness and action on the roads and that is how she will continue to frame it. After getting out the credit card, though, the channel will change to ‘which projects will be selected?'"

"It's unusual for a grassroots group that formed around a single issue to have staying power after achieving its goal, said John Sellek, who owns the Lansing public relations firm Harbor Strategic. The odds worsen during an election year when volunteers may be pulled to other political issues or candidate campaigns."

"Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs and a veteran Republican campaign strategist, said Slotkin’s “steady style and policy chops” stood out in a year that put more attention on flashier personalities like U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, D-N.Y., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit."

"If you were to write the review on 2019, you’d have to say that he has succeeded wildly in both accounts so far. That strategy took discipline and it paid off big time for him,” Sellek said. 

"A candidate not paying their water bill wouldn't be the deciding issue in a race but certainly "doesn't look good," said John Sellek.

Since being appointed to the executive post in August, Coulter has played his cards pretty well, Sellek said, adding that his "governing honeymoon" is about over with the looming August primary election."

Former House Speaker Jase Bolger:

"While we certainly need to protect our environment, we can do that, protect our economy and move toward a high-tech energy infrastructure project that may rival any built in our state’s history."

Host Art Lewis and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce's Bob Thomas talk about the economic forecast for 2020 in Michigan. 

"John Sellek discussed the how Iran, Impeachment, The Squad and digital fundraising are affecting Michigan politics with Dave Akerly on 1320 WILS. 

"It's not about Haslett, Brighton or Rochester, it's about President Trump".

Michigan Chamber of Commerce's Bob Thomas discusses the key public policy battles of 2019 and previews the 4th Annual Economic Forecast Forum.