Rick Pluta
Senior Capitol Correspondent - Michigan Public Radio NetworkRick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His reports appear regularly from the Capitol on public radio stations across the state and NPR.
He also hosts the weekly political program It’s Just Politics with Michigan Public's Political Director Zoe Clark.
Pluta's journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR.
Rick was one of the first Michigan political reporters to write about “pay-to-play” fundraising, and the controversies surrounding recognition of same-sex relationships. He broke the news that Gov. John Engler was planning a huge juvenile justice overhaul that included adult-time-for-adult-crime sentencing, and has continued to report since then on the effects of that policy decision.
Rick is fascinated by the game of politics, and the grand plans and human foibles that go into policy-making. You will never find him ice-fishing.
He is a lifelong public radio listener.
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Michigan hosted debates for the governor's race, as well as Secretary of State, U.S. Senate and the 7th Congressional District. Here's a recap from debate week and what it showed. -
Michigan's 10th Congressional District went from leans Republican to a toss-up. What does that mean for the this year's midterm? -
Proposed by the group Michiganders for Money out of Politics, Proposal 2 would regulate political spending by utilities and large government contractors. Will it pass? -
How are Michiganders feeling about Proposal One on their ballot, that’s the question that would call for a constitutional convention in Michigan. Plus, candidates call for a gas tax suspension. -
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump's mail-in ballots executive order. But, Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh left open the possibility of implementation in the future. What does that mean? -
With absentee ballots set to go out next week, the chairs of the Michigan Democratic and Republican Parties join It’s Just Politics to discuss the midterm election, and what’s worrying them the most. -
There is a huge decision facing Michigan voters in an already huge 2026 election: whether to vote to convene a constitutional convention (also known as a “Con-Con”) to rewrite the state’s entire constitution. The implications are enormous. What you need to know. -
It’s official: State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks is the Democrat’s choice to run for Lieutenant Governor. Senator Brinks joins the show. Plus, a debrief on the Democrat’s weekend Nominating Convention. -
On a special It’s Just Politics, a conversation with a long-time Lansing reporter on what you should really know about the state capital. -
More than 2.5 million Michiganders turned out to vote in last week’s primary. What can voter enthusiasm tell us about the November election?
