Hoekstra Holds Wide Lead in Mich. Senate Primary

Michigan's respected MIRS news wire is out with a new poll showing that former Congressman Pete Hoeskstra dominates the GOP primary field for the U.S. Senate race set for next year.

The poll had Hoekstra leading his main rival 84 to 10 percent.

The winner of the Republican primary next year will face two term U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a liberal Democrat.

Here's the MIRS analysis:

"For the 2012 U.S. Senate Republican primary, the survey taken Tuesday through Thursday saw little change from the October survey that had former Congressman Pete HOEKSTRA up big.

"The newest poll has him leading former Kent County Judge Randy HEKMAN 84 to 10 percent with former State Board of Education Chair Clark DURANT taking in 6 percent. Pro-traditional families advocate Gary GLENN and the names of lesser-known candidates were not included in the survey. The response rate was 214 with a margin of error of 7 percent.

"The October survey had Hoekstra up 79 to 14 over Hekman with Durant getting 7 percent.

"'We see no movement in the U.S. Senate race,' Grebner said. 'Notwithstanding all the shadow boxing at the Tea Party events and so on, Hoekstra retains a huge lead, and the minor candidates show no sign of getting traction.'"