Weak economy gives Michigan Republican a lead over Granholm

The Detriot Free Press

They blame President George W. Bush far more for the state's lagging economy than Gov. Jennifer Granholm, but Michigan voters aren't ready to re-elect her to a second term, a Free Press-Local 4 Michigan Poll shows.

Republican challenger Dick DeVos had a 5-percentage-point margin -- 47 to 42 -- over Granholm in the poll, which was conducted July 7 through Wednesday.

He was buoyed by strong support from middle-age voters, those from all regions outside the five metro Detroit counties, and a surprising number of Democrats.

Granholm even lags among female voters, a group that was crucial to her first gubernatorial victory.

"It's more than the governor, but like anyone else, someone's head has to roll," said Tammy Taylor-Schmidt of Emmett, a small town west of Port Huron.

Taylor-Schmidt voted for Granholm in 2002, she said, because she wanted change and that -- along with her unhappiness with public schools, car insurance and higher cigarette taxes -- is why she said she'll vote for DeVos this year.

The Democrats are in trouble in this union dominated state.