Posts Published by Michael Brodkorb

Bonus Episode: A Break Down About The Battle for Minnesota’s Open Senate Seat

on February 15, 2025 February 16, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

On a special Valentine’s Day bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, join Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr as they dive into the big announcement from U.S. Senator Tina Smith that she will not seek re-election in 2026.

This episode, featuring political strategists Will Davis and John Rouleau, analyzes the implications of Smith’s decision for both parties.

The team explores potential Democratic and Republican candidates for the open U.S. Senate seat and speculates how this may impact the 2026 Minnesota governor’s race.

This insightful discussion covers legislative backgrounds, primary and general election strategies, and the dynamics shaping the future of Minnesota politics!

00:00 Introduction and Special Guests
01:26 Tribute to Mike Kennedy
02:58 Senator Tina Smith’s Announcement
05:47 Implications for the 2026 Governor’s Race
08:28 Republican and Democrat Strategies
11:06 Potential Candidates for the Senate Seat
19:59 Governor Tim Walz vs. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
29:42 Potential Senate Candidates: Flanagan vs. Governor
31:08 Evaluating Tina Smith’s Legacy
33:36 Angie Craig: A Formidable Contender
39:50 Republican Prospects: Emmer and Pawlenty
45:26 Emerging Republican Candidates
54:40 Looking Ahead to the Governor’s Race
01:01:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell
01:02:36 Will Davis on Mike Kennedy

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!

Episode 100: A Break Down with Rep. Kristin Robbins on Fighting Fraud

on February 13, 2025 February 13, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

On this milestone 100th episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Representative Kristin Robbins, who discusses her role as the chair of the newly formed House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee.

The conversation covers the committee’s formation, goals, and the significant challenges of tackling fraud within state agencies. The episode also touches on the latest developments in Senator Nicole Mitchell’s felony charges, reactions to the Super Bowl, commercials, and the halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar.

Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of state politics, current affairs, and more!

00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration
00:25 Welcoming Representative Kristin Robbins
00:48 The New House Fraud Prevention Committee
04:54 First Committee Hearing Insights
07:22 Legislative Efforts and Future Plans
11:51 Challenges and Support for Fraud Prevention
18:25 Committee’s Next Steps and Public Engagement
24:18 Interview Recap and Reflections
31:20 Layered Approach in Government Efforts
31:55 Committee Powers and Subpoena Limitations
33:35 Senator Nicole Mitchell’s Legal Troubles
37:35 Frustrations with Legislative Privileges
46:41 Super Bowl Recap: Game and Halftime Show
55:39 Super Bowl Commercials and Snacks
59:22 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!

A Break Down About the Power-Sharing Agreement with Rep. Zack Stephenson

on February 7, 2025 February 8, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr talk with Representative Zack Stephenson, who provides insights into the newly announced power-sharing agreement between Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

The conversation covers the recent challenges faced by the Minnesota House, including the standoff over seating Representative Brad Tabke, legal battles, and the unprecedented decision to deny quorum.

They also discuss the implications of the new agreement, future budget concerns, and the dynamics of bipartisan cooperation in a closely divided legislature.

Next, Michael and Becky analyze the results of a recent KSTP poll on the Minnesota House of Representatives legislative standoff.

Join them for this detailed episode, and stay tuned for a lively discussion on the upcoming Super Bowl.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:21 Interview with Representative Zack Stephenson
01:41 Power Sharing Agreement Breakdown
02:45 Controversies and Legal Challenges
05:39 Details of the Agreement
07:51 Future Implications and Reflections
21:47 Minnesota’s Budget and Economic Concerns
28:47 Closing Remarks and Super Bowl Predictions
32:37 Policing Membership in the Legislature
33:30 The Role of Republicans in the Legislative Process
35:25 Reflections on Recent Legislative Events
36:28 Speaker Demuth’s Optimistic Message
36:57 Challenges and Optimism in the Legislature
41:56 Poll Results and Public Opinion
49:40 Recall Petitions and Legislative Accountability
54:15 Fundraising and Political Strategy
59:35 Governor Walz’s Future and Political Speculations
01:02:18 Super Bowl Plans and Final Thoughts

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a bonus episode later this week!

A Break Down about Lawsuits, Power Plays, and Quorum Wars

on January 31, 2025 January 31, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

In this bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, host Michael Brodkorb discusses the ongoing legislative standoff in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

House Republican Majority Leader Harry Niska shares the latest developments and discusses a lawsuit filed by the House Republicans against Secretary of State Steve Simon.

Next, Democratic pundit Julius Hernandez offers his perspective on the standoff between Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Get an in-depth look at the legal battles, the political maneuvers, and the constitutional arguments shaping this intense political scene.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:47 Interview with Republican House Majority Leader Harry Niska
01:07 Details of the Legislative Standoff
03:47 Legal Actions and Quorum Issues
06:42 Discussion on Legislative Procedures
14:21 Interview with Democratic pundit Julius Hernandez
17:31 Debate on Quorum and Legislative Power
31:27 Election Results and House Rules
32:03 House Membership and Rules Compliance
33:23 Special Treatment and Political Dynamics
36:00 Power Sharing and Legislative Responsibilities
37:41 Debate on House Authority and Membership
41:46 Compromise and Political Strategy
46:37 Concluding Remarks and Final Thoughts

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!

A Break Down with Speaker-Designate Lisa Demuth

on January 24, 2025 February 9, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr welcome Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth to discuss recent political developments in Minnesota.

The episode explores the Minnesota Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Governor Walz’s writ of special election, the ongoing quorum dispute, and the dynamics within the Minnesota House.

Speaker-designate Demuth shares her perspective on the importance of following the law, the Democrats’ refusal to attend legislative sessions, and the challenges surrounding committee hearings disrupted by protests.

Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of Minnesota’s political landscape.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:23 Special Guest: Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth
01:18 Supreme Court Ruling Recap
02:17 Residency Requirement Controversy
03:47 Governor’s Special Election Call
06:41 Democrats’ Absence and Quorum Dispute
09:44 Power Sharing and Legislative Challenges
20:41 Constitutional Crisis or Opportunity?
29:08 Protests and Safety Concerns
30:42 Ensuring Safety Amidst Protests
32:02 Law Enforcement and Leadership Response
34:15 Addressing Public Safety Concerns
38:24 Republican Initiatives and Legislative Goals
40:29 Challenges in Government Operations
43:25 Future Legislative Plans and Expectations
45:56 Interview Reflections and Analysis
57:10 Breaking News and Final Thoughts

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a bonus episode later this week!

A Break Down About Biden’s Exit and Trump’s Return

on January 22, 2025 January 26, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by political experts Darwin Forsyth and Preya Samsundar.

The group begins by examining President Joe Biden’s exit, President Trump’s inauguration, and his first executive actions, including controversial pardons.

They also analyze Trump’s tone during his address, his stance on immigration and energy policies, and the implications for national and Minnesota politics. They also discuss Preya’s recent commentary in the Star Tribune: ‘Republicans were given a nationwide mandate. Now let’s get to work.‘

The episode wraps up with insights into Minnesota’s legislative chaos and a look at Ken Martin’s potential as the next DNC chair. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion packed with diverse perspectives and political insights.

00:00 Introduction to the Breakdown Podcast
00:28 Welcoming Political Experts
00:54 Discussing Trump’s Inauguration
01:48 Biden’s Last Day and Pardons
03:46 Debating Presidential Pardons
08:20 Trump’s Inaugural Speech Analysis
22:10 Celebrity Guests at the Inauguration
31:42 Trump’s Religious References
38:01 Controversial January 6th Pardons
41:30 Trump’s Controversial Pardons
42:22 Republican Reactions and Strategies
43:38 Minnesota’s Political Landscape
47:16 Immigration Policies and Debates
55:26 Energy Policy and Executive Orders
58:56 Republican Mandate and Future Strategies
01:09:33 Minnesota Legislature and Election Disputes
01:23:19 Ken Martin and the DNC Chair Race
01:27:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a bonus episode later this week!

Bonus Episode: A Break Down with Rep. Brad Tabke

on January 15, 2025 February 9, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr talk with Representative Brad Tabke of Minnesota House District 54A about the ongoing legal and political issues surrounding his election and the current standoff at the Minnesota House of Representatives.

The episode delves into the controversy surrounding missing ballots, the recount process, and Dakota County Judge Tracy Perzel’s detailed and extensive ruling yesterday, which determined that Representative Tabke won the 2024 election.

Representative Tapke provides a detailed narrative of the election disputes, the implications of the missing ballots, and the broader political standoff in the Minnesota House.

00:00 Introduction to The Breakdown Podcast
00:18 Controversy in the Minnesota House
01:01 Interview with Representative Brad Tappke
01:53 The Election Day Roller Coaster
02:53 Legal Battles and Recounts
05:08 Court Rulings and Aftermath
10:57 Personal Struggles and Campaign Challenges
13:50 Procedural and Constitutional Issues
19:34 Future of the Legislative Standoff
25:57 Secrecy and Swearing-In Ceremony
27:00 Procedural Implications of a 68th Member
27:38 Potential Consequences and Political Drama
29:02 Constitutional Crisis and Uncharted Territory
29:45 Election Contest and Quorum Dynamics
34:01 Arguments and Statistical Analysis
39:22 Personal Reflections and Political Relationships
43:07 Interview Conclusion and Reflections

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

A Break Down About the Ongoing Minnesota Legislative Standoff!

on January 14, 2025 January 26, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

In this fireworks-filled episode of “The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,” Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr discuss the chaos erupting in Minnesota politics less than 24 hours before the legislative session.

The controversy centers around a secret swearing-in ceremony for House Democrats held over the weekend. Michael and Becky discuss the implications of this event for the 2025 legislative session, the future of Minnesota state politics, and the ongoing debate surrounding the election in House District 54A. They also discuss the Minnesota Senate’s recent power-sharing agreement.

Tune in for an in-depth analysis of these significant political events and their implications for Minnesota’s legislative future.

00:00 Introduction to the Breakdown Podcast
00:27 Secret Swearing-In Ceremony Controversy
02:37 Implications for Minnesota State Politics
06:00 Historical Context and Precedents
09:53 Democratic Actions and Republican Reactions
13:54 Concerns About Democratic Processes
19:53 Future Implications and Final Thoughts
30:05 Court Process and House Democrats’ New Rules
30:39 Legal Cases and Election Issues
32:26 Quorum Controversy and Secretary of State’s Role
33:55 House Republicans’ Response and Quorum Debate
41:18 Ceremonial vs. Official Roles
47:33 Minnesota Senate’s Agreement and House Chaos
50:46 Secret Swearing-In Ceremony and Its Implications
54:59 Predictions and Final Thoughts

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode this week!