The Perfunctory Podcast

Arc Strategies' Jordan Abudayyeh talks midterms, both Illinois and nationally. We also discuss the future of the Democratic Party, what makes Governor Pritzker a compelling national figure, the Michigan Senate race and origin story/media consumption in 2026.

Current Revenue Chair indulges Has-Been Revenue Chair. What are we missing about Chicago Latino voters? Bernie's understated popularity. Millennial pols are flipping the script. Springfield lore, et. seq. And Chuy's legacy.

Petitions hit the street Tuesday for alders and Mayor, Treasurer and Clerk, and we're breaking it down with @chicagobars. Also a little social media talk and the state of hospitality in 2026. No one goes out on Tuesday, much to Mike's chagrin.

Dave Sullivan sits down in Park Ridge to discuss origin story, his work on marriage equality, what happened to his GOP, and the current state of Illinois affairs.

We spend some time with JGB to talk about her mom, Esther Golar, and what motherhood means to her. But that's not it. As always we talk a little lawmaking and politics.

Like the true procrastinator he is, Z fires up the Class of '22 project with Mary Beth Canty and Laura Favor Dias. How are they feeling about Spring Session? Watching the rollercoaster and not riding it. Origin Stories (with a surprising twist!). And Mother's Day as a Member.

Mike and Ron preview the primary on Tuesday. The guys have some polling to look at and some conclusions to draw.

Early voting starts Thursday. Who’s voting? What’s working (and not)? Senate and IL09 lead the chatter. And Ron gets ran up on at Church.

Mike Z interviews President Pro Tempore, Sen. Bill Cunningham in another great episode.

Adrienne Alexander talks Durbin and Schakowski retirements, politics, popes, papal politics and origin story.