Robin Johnson
Host of Heartland PoliticsRobin A. Johnson is a governmental relations, public policy and political consultant. He is an expert on government reform issues and has consulted with numerous local governments on consolidation/merger, public-private partnerships and full-cost accounting of public services. Robin has also helped candidates win elections for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, state legislature, judiciary and local government. Robin served as a consultant to the Office of Statewide Performance Review in the Illinois Governor’s Office and is former director of the Illinois Center for Competitive Government, a partnership between the Illinois Comptroller’s Office and the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. Prior to that, he was Director of the Local Government Affairs Division of the Illinois Comptroller’s Office. Robin served on the Board of Directors of the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships (NCPPP) in 1999-2000.
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David Masciotra, author of Mellencamp: American Troubadour, talks abouthow Mellencamp's roots in southern Indiana influenced his music, hissongs that most influenced American culture, the impact of his family onsome of his most famous hits, his politics ("blue guy in a red state")but how his music also challenges the left's disconnect from ordinarypeople, and more. -
Erin Murphy, Des Moines Bureau Chief for The Gazette, talks about Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds decision not to seek reelection, her future and legacy, the possible nominees from both parties, possible Democratic resurgence in 2025 special elections, and Sen. Chuck Grassley's seat which is up in 2028. -
Richard Porter, a former Republican National Committee member fromIllinois, discusses President Trump's tariff policy, its connection toother administration economic initiatives, national securityimplications, the national conditions that led to the tariffs, and muchmore. -
Abby Livingston, congressional correspondent for Puck News, talks about the Democrats' Identity Crisis, the Trump agenda, the GOP firewall in Congress, impacts of DOGE and tariffs, AOC, Texas politics, and much more. -
Democratic Focus on Cultural Issues Instead of the Economy Led toShift of Key Voting Groups and Defeat in '24 -
H.W. Brands, noted historian and author of more than 30 books, talks about his newest work, America First: Roosevelt Vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War. -
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig Talks Key Issues as Farmers Gear Up for Planting Season -
Rick Pearson, chief political correspondent for the Chicago Tribune,discusses the Trib's recent nine-part series on corruption in Illinoisgovernment and politics. -
Democratic State Senator Mike Zimmer, newly elected from Iowa's 35th District, which includes Clinton and parts of Jackson and Scott Counties, discusses his campaign that attracted national attention, the keys to his success in a district where Trump won with 61%, lessons for national Democrats, and his agenda in Des Moines. -
The Madigan Guilty Verdict: What Happened and What Does it Mean for Illinois Government and PoliticsRay Long, investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, discusses the historic corruption trial of former House Speaker and Democratic Party Chair Michael Madigan.
