#714 | Monday, August 10, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey offers his thoughts on three major topics in Indiana State politics — and all three raise the same fundamental question:

Who holds the power in Indiana, and how far can they use it?

🔴 1. BRAUN vs. ANDY ZAY — THE IURC LAWSUIT

Former Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission member Andy Zay is suing Gov. Mike Braun after Braun removed him from the commission on Monday, August 3, 2026.

Zay alleges that the Braun administration improperly pressured him over the pending AES Indiana rate case and retaliated after the commission reached an outcome the administration opposed.

Was Zay legitimately fired “for cause” — or was an independent regulator removed because he wouldn’t deliver the result the governor wanted?

What does this mean for the IURC’s independence, utility rates, executive authority, and the future of the AES case?

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🔴 2. THE INDIANA STATE SENATE DISTRICT 23 RECOUNT FLIPS THE WINNER

The razor-thin Republican primary between State Sen. Spencer Deery and Trump-backed challenger Paula Copenhaver has now flipped after a recount.

Copenhaver comes out on top after Deery — one of the Republican senators who opposed the push for mid-cycle congressional redistricting — had appeared to survive by only a handful of votes.

Was this simply an extraordinarily close local election?

Or is it another warning to Indiana Republicans about the political consequences of crossing President Donald Trump?

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🔴 3. WHO TAKES CONTROL OF THE INDIANA SENATE

Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray is stepping down from the chamber’s top leadership role, and the fight to succeed him is underway.

Sen. Chris Garten is seeking the leadership post as Republicans continue to grapple with the fallout from the redistricting battle that fractured the caucus.

The question now:

Is the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus about to move in a fundamentally different direction?

Tonight, we connect all three stories and examine the broader battle over power, loyalty, executive authority, control of the Republican Party, and the future of Indiana politics.

Join the conversation.

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VIDEO version of Ep 714: https://youtube.com/live/sLubpoBx6Wk

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'The Political Spotlight'
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Hosted by: Kristopher H. Bilbrey
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