Will Michigan House pass ban on texting while driving?Will Michigan House pass ban on texting while driving?Will Michigan House pass ban on texting while driving?

Matt McLogan, vice president of university relations at GVSU, joins Grand Rapids Press political editor Jeff Cranson on this week's Talking Michigan Politics. recorded at One Trick Pony in downtown Grand Rapids. Thanks to proprietor Dan Verhil. The topics include: 1. The race for governor. A poll out Tuesday (PDF) from Lansing-based EPIC MRA confirms that the Democratic field has a ways to go in capturing interest, let alone excitement. Some 72 percent of those polled said they don't recognize the name of Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, and 53 percent don't recognize House Speaker Andy Dillon who was preparing a run for months before sending more obvious signs upon Lt. Gov. John Cherry's departure from the race. In the poll, Dillon leads Dems with 22 percent, followed by Bernero with 15 percent and the candidate in the field the longest time, state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith of suburban Ann Arbor, with 11 percent. On the GOP side, U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Holland continues to lead with 27 percent; while Attorney General Mike Cox netted 21 percent and Ann Arbor venture capitalist Rick Snyder scored 15 percent, a drop from his numbers in other recent polls. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, the only candidate besides Cox to have run a statewide race, notched 13 percent. After hearing background on the candidate, Hoekstra remained at the top with 26 percent, while Snyder moved up considerably, tying Cox at 21 percent. Bouchard gained two points. 2. Congressional races. Some Michigan seats are up for grabs, including those held by Democrats Mark Schauer and Gary Peters, who will most assuredly be targets of those gathering for Tea Party Express stops this weekend. Most intriguing is the battle to oust Schauer, who left the state Senate in 2008 and rode President Obama's coattails to victory in the mostly rural, GOP-leaning, southern-Michigan district. Battling to replace him is the evangelical conservative he upset, Tim Walberg, and Brian Rooney, the grandson of famed Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney. Brian Rooney is a 7th District transplant, having moved to Dexter in 2009. 3. Texting and driving. With a Senate-approved bill to ban texting while driving and make it a primary offense, all eyes are on the House. Gov. Granholm has indicated she would sign the bill if it makes it to her desk. Jack Lessenberry made a compelling case for the legislation in a recent essay. Conversation starters: • Jeff on former alpinist and author Greg Mortenson's visit to West Michigan and his "books not bombs" message. • Matt on April 15 deadline to file state and federal income taxes. Despite efforts to simplify the form, it is more complicated than ever.