Mike Braun wasted no time making his selection on who he would like to be his running mate. One day after winning the Republican Primary, Braun said he would prefer delegates to the State Convention pick State Representative Julie McGuire. That sets up what is likely to be a bruising race with Pastor Micah Beckwith, who has been securing delegates for months. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt preview Beckwith vs McGuire this June. 

Another year, another round of skyrocketing property tax assessments are hitting mailboxes. Once again, voters are angry. But few candidates running for public office appear to have an answer on what to do. Including the six candidates running for governor. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt examine voter outrage over property taxes and why the politicians continue to evade coming up with a sustainable solution. 

The final Republican debate for governor was held Tuesday night and was panned by many as a complete trainwreck. Most of the criticism was divided between the moderator and the Indiana Debate Commission. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt discuss the disastrous evening, and how debates might change as a result. 

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita appeared to throw his support behind Micah Beckwith in the upcoming Lt. Governor's Race, which will play out at the Republican State Convention in June. At a recent candidate forum, Rokita spoke fondly of Beckwith's candidacy and described it as an "insurance policy." On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss Rokita's apparent endorsement and what impact it might have on convention delegates. 

Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, once one of the most powerful Republicans in the state, and a close friend and political ally of Governor Eric Holcomb, is headed to jail after being found in contempt of court by a Scott County judge. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, and Jim Merritt discuss why Indianapolis media has remained largely silent on Noel's downfall, and why they refuse to ask Holcomb what he knew about Noel and when.

Mike Braun was hit with one of the largest fines in FEC history, over reporting mistakes from his 2018 run for US Senate. How will it impact his 2024 run for governor? Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

After over an hour and 30 minutes of completely wasting everyone's time, Congressional Candidate "Honest" Gabe Whitley had his petition for a protective order against Abdul-Hakim Shabazz quickly denied. It was a court hearing that bordered on the unbelievable at times, and the insulting and embarrassing at others. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Abdul joins Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt to discuss his big win in a court of law.  

The incredibly bizarre saga of Congressional Candidate "Honest" Gabe Whitley is set to take another strange turn Monday, when he is seeking a protective order against Abdul-Hakim Shabazz. Abdul says not only is Whitley's complaint full of it, but he has also perjured himself in the process. Add to that, numerous other serious issues facing Whitley, including complaints to the IED and FEC over alleged campaign finance report violations, Monday is shaping up to have a lot of fireworks. Abdul joins Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt to discuss the upcoming hearing on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

The first debate between Republicans who want to become the next Governor of Indiana failed to deliver Monday. In more than an hour, the candidates failed to deliver much sizzle, and spent very little time going after or separating themselves from each other. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt break down the underwhelming debate performances. 

Despite mounting problems with things likes taxes, Medicaid and the budget, Indiana Republicans have trained their focus this legislative session on gutting the power and tools of the Public Access Counselor. Led by Senator Aaron Freeman, the GOP is set to take away the independence of the office and many of the resources the Public Access Counselor uses to help ensure transparency. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the potential impact to accountability in government. 

Statehouse Happenings co-host Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is scheduled to head to court. It involves the bizarre saga of Congressional Candidate Gabriel Whitley, a story which becomes stranger by the day. According to Shabazz, Whitley has asked for a protective order against him, and Abdul hopes to find out why at a hearing next week. Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt join Abdul to discuss why "Honest" Gabe might be afraid of Abdul. 

Indiana Capital Chronicle broke an incredible story this week involving 7th District Congressional Candidate Gabriel Whitley. In the piece, they cited complaints against Whitley to the Indiana Election Division and Federal Election Commission, which allege multiple violations, including excessive campaign contributions and fraudulent finance reporting. From donors that cannot be located, to a political consulting firm that does not appear to be registered, the Capital Chronicle story details an incredible tale about a run for Congress that is loaded with unanswered questions. Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt do a deep dive on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

Results from Senate Republican Citizen Surveys are out, and overwhelmingly Hoosiers are demanding legislators do something about skyrocketing property taxes. But lawmakers appear hesitant to act, for fear of angering local government officials. The people vs. the government. Who is likely to win the battle at the Statehouse in 2025? Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss the Indiana GOP's big conundrum on this week's Statehouse Happenings.   

Victoria Spartz has changed her mind. After spending close to a year announcing she would not seek re-election, Spartz announced last week she will indeed run for a third term. The decision has alienated former allies who have already endorsed other candidates seeking her seat. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss Spartz's decision and what the fallout will be for the upcoming primary in the 5th Congressional District. 

State Representative Jim Lucas has once again found himself at the center of controversy. The embattled lawmaker, who recently pled guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident, set off a firestorm at the Statehouse on Wednesday, when he flashed a weapon at a group of school children. Lucas has attempted to downplay the incident. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss Lucas' latest controversy and what the fallout might be. 

Jamey Noel appears to be in hot water. The former Clark County Sheriff and current County GOP Chairman is facing numerous criminal charges involving both his time as sheriff and overseeing a non-profit. According to IndyPolitics.org the charges include corrupt business practices, ghost employment, official misconduct, theft and tax evasion. Based on recent court documents, it appears Noel's wife could also be charged. Over the years, Noel had cultivated a very close personal and political relationship with Governor Eric Holcomb. Which given Noel appearing to have spent years living far above his means, has left many asking what did the governor know about Noel's actions, and when? Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz explore these very questions on this week's Statehouse Happenings.

Campaign finance reports are out for the six candidates running for governor in Indiana. Collectively, they brought in more than $18 million. The massive fundraising haul was led by Brad Chambers who gave himself $5 million. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt take a look at the fundraising reports, and what it might tell us about the upcoming primary.

Indiana Congressmen Larry Bucshon and Greg Pence unexpectedly announced their retirements at the end of 2024. The decisions set off a flood of rumors and quick actions, as potential replacements are rushing to get their campaigns in place. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the potential fallout from their surprise retirements.  

Between the legislative session and contested primaries galore, it is shaping up to be an exciting next several months in Indiana politics and government. One of the unknowns is how an increase in new media operations plan to use their resources to cover it all. From independent journalists to start-up non-profits, a bevy of eyes and ears now exist to monitor the Statehouse and elected officials that were not around just a few years ago. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt explore how these new outlets might change 2024. 

John Rust's big win that could dramatically change ballot access laws in Indiana, Todd Rokita's run-ins with the Disciplinary Commission, and a massive blunder on Medicaid are the top stories for Statehouse Happenings in 2023. On this week's program, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz take a look back at an exciting year that was in Indiana politics and government and preview a potentially explosive 2024.

It turns out the State of Indiana was way off on their calculations when it comes to funding Medicaid in 2024. Now there's an estimated $1 billion shortfall. This has left lawmakers upset and scrambling for answers and solutions. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz examine what went wrong, why, and what the long-term impact might be to Indiana taxpayers.  

U.S. Senate Candidate John Rust scored a major victory last week as a judge threw out an Indiana election law recently put into place by Republicans that would have barred him from running in the Republican Primary. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss the landmark ruling and how it could change Indiana's political landscape going forward. 

Former Attorney General Curtis Hill is running in the Republican Primary for Governor. Recently, he sat down with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz of IndyPolitics.org for a wide-ranging interview. In the conversation, he wasn't shy about offering his thoughts on current Governor Eric Holcomb and Attorney General Todd Rokita. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall is joined by Shabazz and Jim Merritt to discuss Hill's comments and the current state of the governor's race.  

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is again facing potential action from the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. Once again, it is his words that have may get him in trouble. Shortly after signing an affidavit accepting responsibility for inappropriate comments made about an abortion doctor on Fox News in exchange for a reprimand from the Supreme Court, Rokita appeared to deny he had done anything wrong in a press release. This has led to another set of complaints to the Commission over whether or not he filed a false affidavit. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the new complaints against Rokita and how much trouble he might be in. 

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita got his likely Democrat competition in 2024. On Monday, Destiny Wells, who lost badly to Diego Morales for Secretary of State in 2022, announced she is running for Attorney General. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss Well's entry into the race, and if she has a shot to defeat Rokita next November. 

Governor Eric Holcomb and the IEDC have big plans for their LEAP District in Boone County, which they claim will garner billions in economic development. The only problem is, they lack sufficient water resources. Their plan? Get it from water-rich Tippecanoe County. But residents in Tippecanoe County aren't excited about sharing. The plan to syphon off a hundred million gallons of water a day has people up in arms and has sparked concern from politicians. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the big water drama engulfing Central Indiana. 

As many expected, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett easily secured a third term over Republican challenger Jefferson Shreve. The big win came despite Shreve spending millions of his own personal fortune. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss another terrible performance from the Marion County GOP, and what has to be done to start making Indianapolis competitive again. 

John Rust wants to be a Republican Candidate for US Senate. The Indiana Republican Party appears to be doing everything possible to stop him. On Wednesday, Rust had his day in court, to try to secure the ability to appear on the primary ballot next May. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss a wild day that saw some incredible arguments from the state's lawyer on why Rust should be excluded from the Republican ballot. 

On Monday, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and his Republican challenger Jefferson Shreve debated on WISH TV. During the debate, Hogsett was asked his still unknown whereabouts during the first night of downtown riots in 2020. In his answer, he cited a report commissioned by the city on the riots that told where he was and what he was doing. However, in a leaked email, former US Attorney Deborah Daniels, who was a part of the group that completed the report, called Hogsett's statement into question, claiming her report does clarify any of Hogsett's actions that night. On Statehouse Happenings. Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss Daniels' leaked email and how much damage it might do to Hogsett. 

US Representative Victoria Spartz is angering constituents and colleagues alike with her statements and votes on the Speaker of the House. Her unpredictable approach has left many guessing what's next and resulted in a large amount of feedback from voters. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, along with Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss Spartz's antics and how it's playing inside Republican circles. 

The Indiana Republican Party is doing everything in their power to prevent egg farmer John Rust from challenging Jim Banks in the US Senate Primary. Including spending a whole bunch of taxpayer money. Attorney General Todd Rokita has hired super lawyer Jim Bopp to fight Rust's lawsuit to get on the ballot. And he isn't coming cheap. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss Rokita's big expense and the mess that is ballot access in Indiana. 

Former State Senator Luke Kenley threw his weight behind fixing the property tax system in Indiana. Kenley, who was Appropriations Chairman for eight years, told lawmakers fixing the broken property tax system would have a much bigger impact than eliminating the income tax. Will Kenley's support be the voice taxpayers need to get meaningful relief? On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt discuss the possibilities. 

In an article appearing in the Indiana Business Journal, Governor Eric Holcomb said he has no regrets over his executive orders during COVID shutdowns. The governor's lack of remorse or empathy, which included costing many people their jobs and businesses, have left conservatives very upset. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, along with Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss Holcomb's defense of his years long mandates in Indiana. 

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is facing charges from the Disciplinary Commission over comments he made on Fox News about an abortion doctor. The hearing could result in anything from a reprimand to Rokita losing his law license. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall is joined by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt to discuss the latest drama, which seems to follow the Attorney General wherever he goes. 

The race to be the next Governor of Indiana is heating up. Five of the six declared Republican candidates descended upon Hamilton County for the GOP Fall Dinner and gave speeches to more than 600 people in attendance. Did anyone move the needle or make a difference with a huge group of still undecided voters? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings.  

Former Head of the IEDC Brad Chambers is making a big bet on establishment heavyweights carrying him to Governor of Indiana. In addition to adding high profile names like former GOP Chairman Kyle Hupfer to his campaign, Chambers has also loaned himself $5 million to get started. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss if Chambers' gamble will pay off, and if his establishment hires will propel him to victory. 

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch has said she wants to eliminate the income tax as her signature economic proposal in her run for governor. But lack of details, specifically how she plans to pay for it, have left many with doubts it can be implemented. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, along with Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz examine Crouch's proposal and discuss why it's getting a chilly reception. 

Indiana Republican Party boss Kyle Hupfer announced he is stepping down. In his place, Governor Eric Holcomb has nominated long time party insider Anne Hathaway to take his place. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss why Hupfer is leaving, where he's going, and what Hathaway's appointment will mean to the state party. 

Micah Beckwith's outsider campaign for Lt. Governor has many Republican insiders wanting to rethink how the choice is made. Governor Eric Holcomb threw cold water on that idea this week, when he back the continuation of delegates making the choice at convention. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss why Holcomb came out in favor of the status quo, and what's next for the establishment in order to get their desired candidate. 

The apparent alliance between Suzanne Crouch and Greg Pence was short lived. After reports surfaced that Pence was Crouch's choice to be her Lt. Governor, and her campaign confirmed he was being considered, Crouch reversed course, saying Pence should run on his own at convention like anyone else. So what happened? On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss why Crouch is separating herself from the Congressman. 

In recent weeks, former Vice President Mike Pence has taken a hardline stance against President Donald Trump. Pence has offered strong rebukes of Trump on a variety of topics, most recently criticizing his actions on and around January 6. Pence's comments have stoked strong backlash from many in the Republican Party, leaving Pence floundering in the polls and currently short of the donor threshold to even qualify for the debates. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall along with Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss the recent actions by Pence, what he's up to, and if this new path can help him make a comeback. 

Republican Candidate for Mayor of Indianapolis Jefferson Shreve angered conservatives with his proposal for gun control as part of his Public Safety Plan. After weeks of conservative pushback, Shreve appeared on Kendall and Casey radio show to discuss the plan and try to ease fears. It doesn't appear to have worked. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss the interview, and why Shreve may have fallen short of his goal. 

Republican Candidate for Mayor of Indianapolis, Jefferson Shreve released his public safety plan last week. Part of the plan called for banning certain guns, raising the age to purchase a firearm, and ending the ability to carry without a permit. The plan has angered many conservatives in Marion County, who have said it is both illegal and unconstitutional. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss the fallout, and if Shreve can win those voters back. 

Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill is attempting a political comeback, announcing this week he is running for governor. He joined Rob Kendall and Casey Daniels on Wednesday on The Kendall and Casey Show to discuss his successes as Attorney General, why he was targeted by the establishment, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected governor. Kendall and Casey's interview with Curtis Hill, along with some commentary from former State Senator Jim Merritt is this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

Last week, Indiana's Supreme Court upheld new restrictions on abortion. The Indiana General Assembly passed the new restrictions last summer after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall looks at the State Supreme Court's ruling, how the General Assembly wrote a good bill with good process, and why the ruling is another example of why Democrats can't win in Indiana. 

State Representative Randy Frye has announced he is resigning in the middle of his term. Frye cited unspecified health issues as the reason. Frye's resignation with over a year to go, has once again raised red flags on how lawmakers are replaced in Indiana, where a small group of party insiders select the new office holder. This not only gives the people representation they didn't elect, but the winner a huge head start on re-election. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Micah Beckwith take a look at what many believe is a flawed process in replacing elected officials. 

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb took another pass on endorsing his Lt. Governor, Suzanne Crouch, in her 2024 run for governor. Holcomb has now had multiple opportunities to support Crouch and has refused each time. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss why Holcomb would keep taking declining to publicly back his very loyal Number Two. 

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb penned an Op-Ed in the Indy Star, lamenting spending and printing of money by the Federal Government. However, Holcomb was king of the federal cash during COVID, admitting he left his Emergency Declaration in place long after the state was fully opened, so he could secure more federal money. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss the hypocritical take from Indiana's Governor. 

Pastor Micah Beckwith announced Monday he is running for Lt. Governor in 2024. In order to win, he may need to defy the party's nominee for governor and defeat their preferred choice. He will do that by making his case to delegates at the State Convention next year. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Beckwith joins Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt to discuss why he's running and how he plans to emerge victorious. 

Former Indiana Governor Mike Pence is set to declare a run for president on June 7. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, along with Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss how Pence came to the decision and what his path to the presidency is.