Mitch Daniels has an approval rating over 60%.  Among Republican primary voters, it’s even higher, yet the governor’s approach is a key issue in a Hamilton county Republican primary battle where he has endorsed Todd Huston.

Huston is running for a seat in the state House of Representatives.  He is former top aide to State School Superintendent Tony Bennett and plays up his connections.  “Former treasurer of the state Republican Party, working closely with the governor and with Tony,” he says.

Debbie Driskell is running against Huston and she readily acknowledges that she’s been at odds with the governor.  Union workers and teachers appear in her ad.  She tells voters that she supports the right to work bill passed by Republicans and signed by the governor, but points to Statehouse rallies and says it wasn’t handled properly.

Her biggest contributions come from unions.  “The side against right to work doesn’t feel that they were heard and understood,” says Driskell, “and I’m compassionate to that.”

“My opponent’s campaign, you look around and go, these are the people who have been the most ardent opposition to Governor Daniels and the Republican agenda over the last 8 years,” says Huston.  He’d love to have the race become a referendum on the governor.

Debbie Driskell, meantime, has fought the governor before and won.  She’s a township trustee who has led successful battles against local government reform.

No matter which candidate wins the primary, Republicans are likely to win the seat in November.