WKAR News is expanding its political and government reporting in mid-Michigan with the addition of Abigail Censky.
Here at WKAR we are proud to announce a tighter focus on covering government and politics here in the Capital region and how lawmakers’ decisions will affect your life here in Michigan. Starting next week, you’ll hear the reporting of our new Politics & Government reporter Abigail Censky. She talked with WKAR Digital News Director Reginald Hardwick.
Hardwick: Tell us where you joined us from and what is your experience in covering politics?
Censky: I'm coming from St. Louis Public Radio where I served as the news intern and worked heavily with the politics team covering the 2018 midterms and the primary races there in Missouri.
And before that I worked at the Gazette in Colorado Springs where I covered Colorado politics.
Hardwick: What was one huge story you covered in St. Louis?
Censky: One of the biggest stories that I covered and one of my favorites was tracking all of the women candidates in Missouri's 2018 elections and seeing how they fared. And it was actually a record number of women that were running for office in Missouri. Now a record number of women didn't exactly win but it was a great story to follow and really interesting to track things when there was this national "re-upping" of the 'year of the woman' across the country.
Hardwick: So far, what has caught your eye here with Michigan politics?
Censky: Right now it's the lame duck session. It's the burning dumpster in the alley! Hard to look away from for any politico! Michigan is just a really interesting state because it is a state that receives national attention in 4-year patterns. The most interesting thing about that is you can talk to the people and get to know the communities and what's going on outside of presidential election cycles. And get to know more about what's driving the state - if its red or blue or more purple depending on who you're talking to.
Hardwick: Away from covering campaigns and civics – what do you think about Lansing?
Censky: I feel like I have a lot to get to know about Lansing. It's great to have the Capital city so approximate to East Lansing which is more of the college town. Our capital in Missouri, Jefferson City is far away from Columbia where Mizzou is. It's nice to be in a community that's dynamic because the state capital but it's also dynamic because it's also got MSU here. So it's got all types of draws. So I'm interested to get to know the cultural elements of Lansing and experience what's going on here with the arts and get to know what cool things there to do around here outside.
Hardwick: How can people follow you on Twitter?
Censky: People can follow me on Twitter: @AbigailCensky. And you can send me story tips or ideas at ACensky@wkar.org.
