392: Senate Race, Gas Prices, Voting Rights, Ballrooms, and Progressive Ivan Diaz for Michigan State Senate

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #176 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast00:00-17:05: MI Senate Race/Gas Prices &amp; BallroomsPat Johnston opens the show talking about The Trump Regime's push to make taxpayers fund Dear Leader's precious little ballroom. The economy is cratering for the working class, gas prices are nearing record highs, we've spent around $50 Billion so far for Trump's &amp; Israel's unconstitutional War on Iran, inflation is getting worse, and we can't afford health insurance, but we have to pay for a $400 million ballroom to wine &amp; dine The Epstein Class? Then, Pat gives some of the latest news surrounding the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race, and it appears progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is the new leader.17:06-40:05: Ivan Diaz For MI State Senate 29 InterviewProgressive Ivan Diaz, Democratic candidate for Michigan's State Senate 29 District, talks about his campaign and the working class vision he wants to bring the state Senate. Mr. Diaz is a former Kent County Commissioner, and has been involved in his community for his adult life. He's a believer in a decent minimum wage, in a single payer system in Michigan, and in bringing a passionate voice for the working class in his district and throughout the state. Visit Ivan Diaz's campaign: https://voteivandiaz.com/Visit Ivan Diaz on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078727971393Visit Ivan Diaz on Instagram40:06--48:37: Last Call-SCOTUS Kills VRAIn this week's "Last Call," Pat shares his thoughts on the Supreme Court's MAGA majority's decision to essentially eradicate the Voting Rights Act. 48:38-50:46: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinClick here to vote on the LOL Weekly Web Poll!NOTES:"As McMorrow X posts resurface with complaints about Michigan, California love — opponents pounce." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "The New Democratic Machine — And The Billionaires Behind It." By Luke Goldstein &amp; Katya Schwenk of The Lever "Turnaround: New poll shows Haley Stevens with slim U.S. Senate lead." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press "Leaked records show Democrats lined up behind UM board challenger." By Craig Mauger of The Detroit News (via AOL News)"<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/04/28/as-michigan-preps-for-new-medicaid-requirements-leaders-and-advocates-push-for-dedicated-funding/?emci=50a5298b-9643-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&amp;emdi=e6348a2c-b243-f111-8ef2