With Michigan Republican Representatives Tim Walberg (MI-07) and Joe Knollenberg (MI-09) both trailing their Democratic opponents (Mark Schauer and Gary Peters, respectively), the incumbents were no doubt counting on an aggressive campaign from Presidential nominee John McCain in the perennial swing state.
Heck, Walberg himself said so:
"We'll help him and he'll help us, there's no doubt about it,'' said U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, referring to GOP presidential nominee John McCain.
"I think his message will truly resonate with people who want to have reform in Washington. He's not afraid to take anyone on.''
Walberg said he hopes McCain's success in Michigan and Washtenaw County in the 2000 election, particularly among moderate Democrats and independents, can help offset the anticipated support countywide for his Democratic challenger, Mark Schauer.
Votes will be at a premium, as the battle for the Michigan's 7th Congressional District is believed to be among the most competitive and expensive House races in the country.
Yeah, about that...
John McCain is pulling out of Michigan, according to two Republicans, a stunning move a month away from Election Day that indicates the difficulty Republicans are having in finding blue states to put in play.
McCain will go off TV in Michigan, stop dropping mail there and send most of his staff to more competitive states, including Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida. Wisconsin went for Kerry in 2004, Ohio and Florida for Bush.
Oh, dear.
Walberg and Knollenberg already ranked as two of the most endangered Republicans in the nation. Knollenberg trailed Gary Peters (D) in DCCC internal polling, and Walberg not only trailed Mark Schauer (D), but had lost the endorsement of the district's former Representative, moderate Republican Joe Schwarz.
As a result, CQ Politics had already moved both races to the "No Clear Favorite" category.
Now with McCain abandoning all hope in the state, the Republican incumbent are left to fend for themselves against the strongest opponents of their political careers and a resurgent Democratic Party.
On the web:
Gary Peters for Congress
Mark Schauer for Congress