Some good news today regarding the 2014 Michigan Governor's Race:
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/...
PPP's first poll of the Michigan Gubernatorial race since Mark Schauer's official entry finds the Democrat leading incumbent Rick Snyder 42/38. PPP's polling of this match up over the last six months has been very consistent- in March Schauer also led Snyder by 4 points and in December he had a 5 point advantage.
Schauer's initial lead has a lot more to do with Snyder than it does with himself. Even after his official candidacy announcement, he has just 38% statewide name recognition. But Snyder continues to be one of the most unpopular Governors in the country with only 40% of voters approving of him to 52% who disapprove. He's at 40/51 with independents and Democrats (78% disapproval) dislike him a good deal more than Republicans (68% approval) like him.
Schauer's low name recognition at this point means that things could actually get worse for Snyder. The undecideds for Governor voted for Barack Obama by a 16 point margin, and only 22% approve of Snyder to 64% who disapprove. Those are folks likely to move into the Schauer camp once he becomes better known.
Snyder's role in the passage of right to work legislation continues to be a big problem for him. Just 40% of voters support that law to 50% who oppose it, numbers that have not seen any improvement since the initial furor after it passed in December. Snyder continues to have issues with his brand, as only 34% of voters now consider him to be 'one tough nerd' to 45% who don't. - PPP, 6/4/13
What makes me happy about this poll is not only seeing Schauer with a lead but also seeing that the right to work legislation the Michigan GOP and Snyder passed is still hurting him badly. Which is good because Schauer plans on making it a top campaign issue:
http://wwmt.com/...
"Fundamentally I've always worked on creating an economy that works for everyone and what I see under Governor Snyder and an extreme right wing legislature are policies that are leaving many behind," says Schauer.
He says the biggest difference between himself and Governor Snyder is his connection to the average working people in the state and he points to the fight over right to work as an example of that.
"My whole history has been bringing people together to solve problems, by pitting labor against management in this case, it's just an example this governor has been divisive and polarizing."
Schauer participated in the right to work protests at the capitol last year and was even pepper sprayed by police. He says someone needs to stand up to the republican controlled legislature.
"There is a very conservative agenda, I would say an extremist agenda that's out of touch with the mainstream in our state and Governor Snyder is the head of that party." - WWMT Channel 3 News, 6/3/13
Plus the right to work bill has also taken it's toll on the Michigan GOP legislature:
Republicans in the legislature continue to face backlash from the voters as well. Just 27% have a favorable opinion of them to 59% with a negative one, and their 25/61 spread with independents is even worse than their overall numbers. The Democrats in the legislature aren't popular either- a 38/43 favorability rating- but they look good enough in comparison to the Republicans to hold a 48/38 lead on the generic legislative ballot.
And finally 49% of voters in the state support raising the minimum wage to $10 an hour, compared to 43% who are opposed to that idea. - PPP, 6/4/13
If you'd like to get involved with Schauer's campaign, you can do so here:
http://www.markschauer.com/