Hoekstra keeps rolling, Dillion makes ballot, and how voters' moods matter

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 Bernero called on House Speaker Andy Dillon to use the legislative appropriations process to prohibit Attorney General Mike Cox from spending state tax dollars on a frivolous lawsuit that aims to stop federal health insurance reforms. 2. The mood How will voters' unhappiness play in November in races across the board. 3. Pensions and tax requests. Should voters consider the city of Grand Rapids' pension costs in deciding on an income tax hike request Tuesday? Meanwhile, the Legislature is moving on an early-out plan for teachers and, perhaps, other state workers. But charter school advocates are sounding the alarm that one version would require charters to participate in the MPSERS retirement plan. Conversation starters: • Ed on how Michigan's workplace smoking ban, which takes effect Saturday, affects Hookah bars. • Jeff on the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation's Mind Share event, which brings out the best in Grand Rapids school supporters, many of whom live outside the city.