Talking Michigan Politics

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about a new poll that shows U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra hanging on to a lead among Republicans running for governor; questions over whether voter unhappiness spells good news for Republicans in November; and concerns about legacy costs and how they shape voter views ahead of key tax votes Tuesday. 1. Governor's race. New poll shows Hoekstra still leading Republicans. And Rasmussen reports that 41 percent of all voters prefer a Republican gubernatorial candidate, 36 percent favor a Democrat, 5 percent prefer some other party and 18 percent are undecided. Hoekstra also picked up an endorsement from likely 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney Wednesday, a return of the favor since Hoekstra supported Romney in 2008. Among Democrats, House Speaker Andy Dillon turned in 30,000 petitions Wednesday, assuring his spot on the ballot. Also, Lansing mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Be