NEWS
Issues & Ale: Michigan’s Presidential Primary
Michigan Public Radio
March 9, 2020
"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.
Ease regulation to unlock American investment
Detroit News
March 7, 2020
"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."
Whitmer under pressure to make endorsement before Michigan primary, analysts say
Detroit Free Press
March 4, 2020
"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.
Senate Bill 431 prompts concern over mining
Tri-County Times
March 3, 2020
"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."
THE GRAVEL PIT NEXT DOOR?
Northern Michigan Express
February 24, 2020
"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.”
Stateside: West MI’s shifting politics; gun rights vs. gun control; comics writer Saladin Ahmed
Michigan Radio
February 25, 2020
"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."
Pence using Michigan visit to reach pro-Trump farmers, blue-collar workers
MLive
February 24, 2020
"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."
Impeachment fades for Slotkin as Democrats try to pivot away
Associated Press - National
February 24, 2020
"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."
Langlois MI-03 Bow Out Could Emphasize Power Of Grassroots Support
Gongwer
February 14, 2020
"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.
DeVos family pumps $800,000 into super PAC targeting Peters
Detroit News
February 13, 2020
"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."
Morning Wake Up with Dave Akerly
WILS 1320 AM
February 13, 2020
"More on the democratic primaries from John Sellek. John and Dave also take a close look at Michael Bloomberg.
Leading Democratic presidential candidates ask Whitmer how to win Michigan
MLive
February 6, 2020
"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."
Analysis: Governor Whitmer's State Of The Union Response
WKAR Radio
February 5, 2020
"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."
Morning Wake Up with Dave Aklery
WILS 1320 AM
February 4, 2020
"John Sellek stops by to talk about the Iowa Caucus and Governor Whitmer’s state of the union response.
Michigan Governor to Take National Stage to Rebut Trump
The New York Times
February 3, 2020
"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.”
Michigan governor to take national stage to rebut Trump
MLive
February 3, 2020
"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.
Off The Record
Michigan Public Television
January 31, 2020
"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."
Whitmer shifts from SOTS to SOTU; tackling imam shortage; marijuana banking
Stateside, Michigan Radio
January 31, 2020
"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."
New group reserves TV time to tout Whitmer's road plan
The Detroit News
January 31, 2020
"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."
Whitmer to lay out Dems’ agenda in her State of the Union response
Lansing City Pulse
January 29, 2020
"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."
Lucido 'Running Out Of Time' To Apologize
MIRS News
January 27, 2020
"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.
Whitmer SOS II, What Might We Expect?
MIRS News
January 27, 2020
"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?'"
Redistricting group finds new targets while holding tight to grassroots
The Detroit News
January 27, 2020
"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."
Slotkin puts focus back on health care after navigating Iran, impeachment
MLive
January 24, 2020
"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."
Michigan Republicans believe John James is their best shot at U.S. Senate in decades
MLive
January 17, 2020
"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.
Oakland County executive pays outstanding water bills after one year
Detroit News
January 16, 2020
"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."
Great Lakes tunnel project should continue forward
Holland Sentinel
January 12, 2020
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."
What to expect in 2020— recession or success? Michigan Economic Forecast Forum
WSGW Saginaw
January 8, 2020
Host Art Lewis and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce's Bob Thomas talk about the economic forecast for 2020 in Michigan.
Big cash haul for the reelection campaign of Rep. Slotkin as she pivots her main conversation with constituents from impeachment to Iran
Morning Wake Up, WILS
January 7, 2020
"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".
4th annual Michigan Economic Forecast Forum
WKZO Kalamazoo
January 6, 2020
Michigan Chamber of Commerce's Bob Thomas discusses the key public policy battles of 2019 and previews the 4th Annual Economic Forecast Forum.
Michigan road funding talks stalled out in 2019. Will next year be any different?
MLive
December 30, 2019
"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.”
Reviewing 2019's Policy Battles and Previewing 2020
WPHM Port Huron
December 26, 2019
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.
No-reason absentee voting could change 2020 Michigan campaigns
Detroit News
December 27, 2019
"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.”
GOP leader Chatfield: Road plan should cut vehicle registration fee
Detroit News
December 26, 2019
"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.
Trump to hold first 2020 rally in Toledo
Detroit News
December 23, 2019
"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."
Impeachment vote could pass while Trump campaigns in Michigan
MLive
December 15, 2019
"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.”
Is it time for a new Whitmer road funding plan?
MIRS News
December 9, 2019
"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.”
What's next on Line 5?
Lansing City Pulse
April 3, 2019
"If the tunnel is sunk, the pressure actually falls to the governor and attorney general to protect Mackinac Island from a potential oil bath."
Suspending the Healthcare Insurance Tax
Ron Jolly Show, WTCM
November 22, 2019
"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."
Hadden: End surprise medical billing to protect our working families
Lansing State Journal
November 20, 2019
"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"
GOP Closer To Backing 'Their Candidate' In MI-03 With Lower Exit
Gongwer
November 21, 2019
"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: Punishing Democrats over Line 5 not a good idea
The Detroit News
November 19, 2019
"Nessel's posts showed she is staking a claim on leadership of the Democratic Party, said John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs."
NBC pegs Kent County as most important 2020 presidential battleground
MLive
November 18, 2019
"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.”
John and Dave talk about Tuesday's local and national election results
WILS Morning Wake Up
November 7, 2019
"AVs are just like AARP now, they aren't just for seniors anymore."
What Happens When You Ask MI-10 Voters This?
MIRS News
November 1, 2019
"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."
Mackinac Straits tunnel equals safety and jobs
Marquette Mining Journal
October 26, 2019
“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."
Oakland Co. executive Coulter to announce 'future plans'
Detroit News
October 30, 2019
”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."
Michigan needs line 5 and the construction jobs new tunnel will bring | Guest column
Detroit Free Press
October 23, 2019
“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.
Opinion: Mackinac Straits tunnel means safety, jobs
Traverse City Record Eagle
October 18, 2019
”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.
Amash sees smallest amount of donations. Does it matter?
Gongwer
October 22, 2019
“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."
Disquiet on the Budget Front
MIRS News
October 22, 2019
”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, Slotkin post large cash amounts in Michigan's U.S. House races
Detroit News
October 16, 2019
“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.”
Audit: Michigan taxpayers ripped off with questionable $100K MDOT study
Detroit Free Press
October 18, 2019
”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."
Slotkin hears from both sides on Trump impeachment inquiry
Detroit News
October 7, 2019
"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.”
Want Good Roads, Schools and Government? Raise Taxes, Expert Says
Detroit Today, WDET
October 7, 2019
”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.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer targets rural Michigan in bid to sway GOP on budgets
Bridge Magazine
October 2, 2019
"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."
More spending on Michigan roads blunted by rising costs
Detroit News
September 9, 2019
"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."
My Take: Pharmacists, partners successfully combating meth smurfing
Holland Sentinel
September 25, 2019
"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."
How Gretchen Whitmer could fight GOP budget, avoid Michigan government shutdown
Bridge Magazine
September 25, 2019
"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.
Hate Michigan roads? Your neighbors’ may be way better.
Bridge Magazine
September 26, 2019
"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."
Rest Assured, These Won't Be Issues for Long -- Right?
MIRS Pundit Panel
September 24, 2019
"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."
How Michigan Republicans are feeling as the 2020 election draws closer
Stateside, Michigan Radio
September 23, 2019
"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."
MIRS Monday Podcast
MIRS News
September 23, 2019
"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 "
UAW strike puts Trump, GOP in political bind in key states
PBS News Hour
September 21, 2019
"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.”
U.P. lawmaker emerges as Michigan Attorney General’s loudest critic
MLive.com
September 18, 2019
"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.”
U.P. Propane owner: Line 5 is vital to Michigan (opinion)
Grand Rapids Press
September 18, 2019
"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."
Political roundup: As lawsuits linger, House Dems vote to compensate victims wrongly accused of unemployment fraud
Stateside, Michigan Radio
September 6, 2019
"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."
Michigan Families and Businesses need Line 5 project
Macomb Daily
August 30, 2019
"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."
Opinion: End surprise
medical billing
The Detroit News
September 5, 2019
"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."
Opinion: Stop smurfing for Michigan meth heads
The Detroit News
August 26, 2019
"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."
Genesee County prosecutor tells meth smurfers: ‘We will prosecute you’
The Flint Journal
August 13, 2019
"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"
Warning: Buying pseudoephedrine for meth cooker could result in felony charge
WJRT, Flint
August 13, 2019
"Smurfing is no joke. It's a serious crime," Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said."
Prosecutor taking steps to thwart meth manufacturing, "smurfing" in Genesee County
WEYI, Flint
August 13, 2019
"Have you ever heard of “smurfing?” If not, you probably aren’t alone."
Authorities say meth use on the rise West Michigan
FOX17, Grand Rapids
August 12, 2019
"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.
Locally-made meth gets new look as popularity of imported 'scourge' grows
WZZM Grand Rapids
August 12, 2019
“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.’’
Prosecutor warns of meth manufacturers asking others to buy key ingredients
WWMT, Kalamazoo
August 12, 2019
"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."
Kent Co. prosecutor warns of ‘smurfing’ amid meth comeback
WOOD TV, Grand Rapids
August 12, 2019
“The system works, they’re preventing the sales. But you’ve got to be vigilant.
Experts pan Booker's claims about Clinton's Michigan loss
The Detroit News
August 2, 2019
"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."
Candidates got 5 hours on Detroit stage, failed to focus on Michigan issues
The Detroit News
August 1, 2019
"You saw Gov. Whitmer and Mayor Duggan say ‘Stop, slow down,’ and they basically got run over,” Sellek said.
Is Justin Amash Running for President?
Vanity Fair
July 11, 2019
“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.”
Amash plunges Michigan into uncharted political waters
Stateside, Michigan Radio
July 8, 2019
"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 Has Officially Started
Fox 17, WXMI
June 29, 2019
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.
Who benefits from Amash becoming an
Independent?
Gongwer News
July 5, 2019
“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.”
The more the merrier for the MI-03 primary in 2020?
Morning Wake Up, WILS
July 1, 2019
"Voters expect their officials to defend the constitution and chew gum at the same time."
Crowded GOP primary could aid Amash's reelection prospects
The Detroit News
July 1, 2019
“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."
Massive Spending Required for Slotkin, right?
MIRS News
July 22, 2019
"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."
Patterson exit buoys Democrats as they seek top post in Oakland County
The Detroit News
June 26, 2019
“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."
What will happen first?
MIRS News
June 18, 2019
"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."."
Sell the Blue Water Bridge to fix the roads?
Stateside Radio, WUOM
June 7, 2019
"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."
Mackinac Uncensored
Detroit Regional Chamber
May 31, 2019
"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."
Whats going on with the auto no-fault deal and Justin Amash?
Morning Wake Up, WILS
May 24, 2019
"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. "
Impeachment Appeal Pushes Justin Amash From G.O.P. Gadfly to Insurgent.
New York Times
May 20, 2019
"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 breaks mold with early, often veto threats
The Detroit News
May 21, 2019
"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."
Five months in, the precarious state of bipartisanship in Lansing.
Bridge Magazine
May 21, 2019
"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."
Improving access to road-building materials
The Detroit News
May 19, 2019
"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."
Thank your local law enforcement officers.
Traverse City Record Eagle
May 18, 2019
"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 is an opportunity to honor our law enforcement men and women ”
Livingston Daily
May 16, 2019
"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."
Michigan Aggregates Assoc. President Doug Needham explains why reform is a must to fix Michigan's roads.
Frank Beckmann Show, WJR
May 17, 2019
"Why would a company expand or relocate in Michigan when they see the condition of our roads and infrastructure?"
"Better grab some popcorn, this is shaping up to be the most action since 2007.”
Quote of the Day, MIRS News
May 6, 2019
"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."
The sources of meth may be shifting but our mission to protect Michigan citizens remains unchanged.
Marquette Mining Journal
April 29, 2019
"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."
Advice from an alum to Michigan State:
Be transparent, listen to students.
Detroit Free Press
April 28, 2019
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.
A Wolman remembered as fair, calm journalist who championed diversity
Detroit News
April 15, 2019
"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"
A deal to fix Michigan’s roads looks to roll into summer
Bridge Magazine
April 12, 2019
"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."
John Sellek reacts to the recent New York Times article that highlights the "media disconnect" on social media.
Morning Wake Up, WILS
April 10, 2019
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.
@PaulWJR thanks Lisa Ludwinski Sister Pie Owner for stopping by with a peanut butter chocolate pie!
Paul W. Smith Show, WJR
April 10, 2019
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.
Does Nessel’s Opinion Really Force Enbridge’s Hand?
MIRS News
April 1, 2019
"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."
When Is the Right Time to Start Watching 2020 Presidential Race?
Detroit Today, WDET
February 4, 2019
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.
Shirkey: New revenue needed for Michigan's roads
The Detroit News
February 13, 2019
“The public clamor for road repair is louder than ever, and it’s clear the Legislature and governor both hear it,” Sellek said.
MIRS News Monday Podcast
MIRS News
April 1, 2019
"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.'
Donald Trump Is Resetting His 2020 Message To Keep The Rust Belt
Buzzfeed News
March 28, 2019
"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."
Reinvigorated Trump returns to Michigan for re-election rally
The Detroit News
March 28, 2019
"West Michigan as a whole is “still more conservative” than Oakland County and other suburban regions that are trending toward Democrats," Sellek said.
All eyes on Bouchard as GOP seeks Patterson successor
The Detroit News
March 27, 2019
“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.'
The top question in Lansing these days is a familiar one: Where is Michigan going to find the money to fix the roads?
Stateside, Michigan Radio
March 22, 2019
Our political commentators analyze the potential plans and what roadblocks lay ahead. John Sellek is CEO of Lansing public relations firm Harbor Strategic.
John Sellek comments on how Michigan ended up on the Democratic radar and also speaks on the possibility of John James taking on Gary Peters in 2020
Morning Wake-Up, WILS
March 18, 2019
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!
Opinion: Government-mandated prescription requirements would cost Michigan
The Detroit News
March 15, 2019
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.
Michigan residents don’t support prescription requirement for cold, allergy meds containing pseudoephedrine
Marquette Mining Journal
March 12, 2019
"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"
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Facebook.com
March 7, 2019
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.
Latest poll regarding purchase of common allergy and cold medications
Ken Lanhear Show, WKZO
March 1, 2019
Ken talks with Carlos Gutiérrez, Vice President for State and Local Government Affairs at Consumer Healthcare Products Association
Michigan roads are a big mess. Here are eight big ideas to fix them.
Bridge Magazine
March 1, 2019
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
Carlos Gutierrez on the likelihood of OTC allergy drugs becoming available by Rx only
Morning Wake-Up with Dave Akerly, WILS
March 4, 2019
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.
John Sellek of Harbor Strategic PR on the Whitmer Gas Tax
The Ron Jolly Show, WTCM
March 11, 2019
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
Bush hailed by Michiganians as ambitious statesmen, kind public servant
The Detroit News
December 3, 2018
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."
Detroit archdiocese responds to AG; legally dubious CBD; ballot initiative runarounds
Stateside, Michigan Radio
February 22, 2019
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