MIRSnews.com Monday

Could Rick Santorum win Michigan but get fewer of the state's delegates than Mitt Romney? Mark Grebner from Practical Political Consultants says yes and provides new polling to prove it.

Also, listen to what Santorum said to Lansing reporters after this week's edition of Off the Record. In a 12-minute scrum, he addresses questions about the Penn Hills controversy involving the Santorums' official residency five years ago and the cyber school the family sent their children to. He also chastises the media for asking him about whether government should give gay families the same support he's proposing for traditional married couples.

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The following is unedited audio of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's speech at Compatico in Grand Rapids.

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Doug Rothwell, CEO of the Business Leaders of Michigan, opines on getting rid of the personal property tax, the state's $500 million surplus and a proposal to bump the state's renewable portfolio standards to 25 percent by 2025. Also, MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn and Deputy Editor Susan Demas handicap the state's developing 14 congressional races.

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Pete Hoekstra talks to reporters Monday morning after his controversial Super Bowl ad runs statewide. Listen the complete teleconference including reporter questions. Also, Stu Sandler, former Michigan Republican Party executive director, and the MIRS team give their opinions on the ad.

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Join the MIRS crew for an interview with former U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, who is working with BlueGreen Alliance to unite traditionally different facets of the Democratic party. Also hear from Michigan Virtual Charter Academy Head of School Stephanie Hargens about some of the misconceptions surrounding SB 619, which would open up the cyber school market.

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Join MIRS reporters for a discussion on and grading of Gov. Rick Snyder's State of the State address, and learn why Progress Michigan Director David Holtz's was unimpressed. Reporters also talk about a how the proposed casino in Lansing could cost the state $15 million.

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Is Mitt Romney still the Republican presidential primary frontrunner in Michigan? MIRS and Practical Political Consulting releases new polling data on the race. Can Democrats stop a Right to Work push in Indiana? Jack Spencer of Michigan Capitol Confidential was in Indianapolis last week and answers that question. And licensed psychologist Dr. Ira Glovinsky, who teaches a Masters' level autism class at Madonna University, gives his view on whether other mental health conditions should be included in legislation requiring more autism coverage in health insurance policies.

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Rod Albert, the executive director of the North American International Auto Show, says he can "feel the energy" about this year's show, particularly with the domestic auto companies' comeback. He talks about why Lansing should care about Detroit's annual "Mardi Gras." Also, MIRS previews Friday's Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference with a few ideas on how to make the biannual event more interesting.

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U.S. Rep. Thad McCotter, a former presidential candidate, helps MIRS break down the field on the eve of the Iowa Caucus during a 10-minute interview. Hawkeye alum Susan Demas defends Iowa's first-in-the-nation position and the whole MIRS team, plus Jack Spencer of Capitol Confidential, takes a look ahead to what should be the key issues going into 2012.

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If 2011 was a year for legislative policy, 2012 will be "The Year Of Management" for Gov. Rick Snyder. The Governor shares his vision on reforming state bureaucracy. Also, former analyst Jack Spencer, now of Michigan Capitol Confidential, returns to rate Snyder's first-year performance. He also assists in naming MIRS' "House Member Of The Year" based on effectiveness, level of activity and impact.

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