Day 22: Michigan

[MaC]

Yes! The best part: My state!

well, I think we're a very diverse state.  The populism is mostly a UP thing (which there aren't even one million people living here) Libertarianism?  Probably here in spruts, areas with old fashioned conservatism, college students that understand economics, city dwelling businessmen, and such.  Liberalism-Detroit and Flint and some extending areas.  Conservatism-the countryside (everywhere else).  We are a Democratic state, no doubt.   I think Republicans could win here in '08 provided they don't nominate a candidate who's too conservative.  Ultimately, I think our state's re-aligning elections will be in '06 when it comes down to Stabenow v. whoever and Granholm v. whoever.  Granholm looks likely to loose, but because of the strong metro-Detroit Democratic base, she could win.  If the Michigan GOP is smart, they'll nominate Miller for the governor race.  Stabenow I haven't heard much about, I'll assume she'll win though.

[MaC]

As far as I know, only two things:

As Macomb and Oakland Counties go, so goes the state of Michigan in Presidential races.

In the 70s and 80s when Republicans dominated, they won these counties.  In the 90s and 00s when Republicans lost, they either lost Macomb or Oakland or both (Oakland always).

Nationally, it seems to be a solid, by small margins Democrat state at the National level, whereas it seems to be a solid, by small margins, Republican state on the local level (exception Governor).

People from Michigan can surely enlighten me here.

The times they are a-changing.  Historically Macomb has been known for being a solid Democratic county, and next to it Oakland has been known for being a solid Republican county.  The 2004 map shows a flip.  Interesting. (for those who don't know where they are, third from bottom row of counties, all the way east.  The eastern one is Macomb, west of it is Oakland)

[MaC]

the governor's race, if won by a Republican would definitely have some influence on how things are here.  I don't doubt Granholm's approval ratings will plummet if the economy doesn't do better.  If we stay well below the national mean come election time, it'll be a Republican shoo-in.

[MaC]

well, the Republican party needs a good candidate to run.  Miller would be best, but if she's not running they need to do some better looking.  I'm saying, our economy has recovered a little, but if it will be as bad as it was 10 months ago, a run-of-the-mill Republican will likely beat Granholm.  Of course this is too early to say, since the election's a while from now and a lot can happen in 14 months.

[MaC]

That's partially because Gerald Ford is a native Michigander.