Statehouse Happenings: Bayh Blows By Morales in Fundraising

President Donald Trump is following through on a promise to do everything he can do defeat Republican Senators in Indiana who voted against redistricting. Over the past week, the president has issued a slew of endorsements to often times little known, underfunded challengers. Can Trump's blessing make the difference? And what will the fallout be for Trump if voters reject his seal of approval? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. (1/28/26)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Campaign finance reports are in and the big winner for 2026 appears to be Democrat Beau Bayh, who is running for Secretary of State. The son of former Indiana Governor and Senator Evan Bayh has pulled in a massive $1.8 million in just a few months and has blown past the totals raised by incumbent Diego Morales. Can Bayh continue the momentum to give himself and Democrats life in November? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings (1/23/26)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a bombshell allegation, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz claims that Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is under a Grand Jury investigation related to a political advertisement which ran last year featuring Marion County election workers. Plus, Braun is set to deliver the State of the State, township governments are once again under fire, and much more, as Shabazz joins Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt for Statehouse Happenings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, residents in Dubois County have pushed back on a multi-billion dollar proposal to connect I-64 and I-69 known as the Mid-States Corridor. Much of their ire has been focused at one of the project's biggest supporters, Governor Mike Braun. The backlash has been so intense, a recent poll showed a shocking 62 percent of Dubois County residents (Braun's home county) disapprove of the job he is doing. Now, questions about the Mid-States Corridor are coming to the Statehouse, as politicians are beginning to question the massive price tag while INDOT is scrapping hundreds of other projects. Is the Mid-States Corridor Braun's newest long-lasting headache? Rob, Abdul, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. (1/7/26)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's our final episode of 2025! On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt take a look back at a very rough year for Indiana's governor. From failures on property taxes and redistricting, to skyrocketing utility bills, Braun has his work cut out for him in 2026. (12/29/25)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent Indiana is a new group dedicated to getting Independent Candidates to not only run but also win public office. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Executive Director Nathan Gotsch joins Rob Kendall to discuss polling that shows Hoosiers are ready and willing to vote for the right candidates breaking away from the two-party system. (12/21/25)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite repeated warnings from Senate President, Pro Tempore Rod Bray, Governor Mike Braun insisted on an up or down vote on mid-cycle redistricting. He got his wish late last week. In the face of intense pressure from not just Braun, but also Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith and Turning Point USA, the senate resoundingly rejected adopting new congressional maps by a vote of 31-19. In a saga with many losers, arguably Indiana's Governor and Lt. Governor are at the top of the list. Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss on Statehouse Happenings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a final vote scheduled for Thursday in the Senate, the push for mid-cycle redistricting has hit the home stretch in Indiana. With both sides amping up the pressure, will Governor Mike Braun be able to muscle it across the finish line? Or will the governor suffer an embarrassing defeat in front of the entire nation? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Indiana House of Representatives is meeting this week and appear ready to approve a new congressional map against public outcry. The real drama begins next week, when the senate will meet to discuss redistricting. Many believe the upper chamber still does not have the votes to approve Governor Mike Braun's top priority. Led by Rod Bray, could the Indiana Senate be set to deliver an embarrassing blow to Braun in front of the entire nation? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a special Thanksgiving edition of Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz sit down to review some of the stories they were most "thankful" for in 2025. Not necessarily the outcome, but stories that helped shape the program and impacted the listening audience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.