Michigan Political Week in Review
As Michigan voters begin focusing on the upcoming general election, the surviving campaigns also are gearing up.
Within the gubernatorial race, both Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero hired new campaign spokesmen for the November general election.
Following his win in the primary election, Snyder said he will continue to stick to his priorities of job creation and reviving the state economy.
Bernero’s campaign plans a similar focus of putting Michigan back to work by creating jobs and new investments for Michigan.
How the candidates differentiate their respective messages --- and to what extent the clean energy economy remains a key element in those plans --- is something Michigan LCV will be watching closely. Recently, Bernero accepted offers to participate in three upcoming debates, though Snyder is yet to agree on any details.
The Detroit Free Press has a new feature on its website that allows readers to post questions to Snyder and Bernero.
Race for Governor Polls:
A recent Detroit News poll found Snyder leading Bernero by 19 points (51% versus compared to Bernero’s 32%, with 18% of likely voters undecided). Both candidates have high name recognition with 88% for Snyder and 80% for Bernero.
The favorability polling was not as equal, with Bernero viewed positively by 21% of respondents and unfavorably by 27%, with 32% having no opinion.
Snyder was rated favorably by 41% and unfavorably by 15%, with 33% still unsure.
The Western Michigan Oil Spill:
The Great Lakes Environmental Law Center is threatening to sue Enbridge Energy over the West Michigan Oil Spill unless the state or federal government pursues fining Enbridge under existing environmental laws. Enbridge could face a fine of up to $100 million if the company is found to have been “grossly negligent” in maintaining the ruptured pipe.
--- Photo via The Detroit News
