Executive Director Edward Woods III of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission believes the commission deserves "a little bit more grace" as it prepares to redraw seven state House districts due to a federal court ruling that they were racially gerrymandered. He is joined by the commission's litigation counsel, Katherine McKnight.    

Former Detroit legislator LaMar Lemmons III entered the special election race for Michigan's 13th House District because of a shortage of African American representation in Lansing. However, he feels like he's working against himself after the Governor endorsed one of his opponents. 

Additionally, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Nikki Snyder, a registered nurse and State Board of Education member, joins the MIRS team to preview a candidate forum being hosted by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance at their Jan. 19 policy conference.