Romney holds onto edge over Obama in Michigan election, poll shows

[Bozita]

Source: Detroit Free Press

Romney holds onto edge over Obama in Michigan election, poll shows
1:02 PM, Jul. 18, 2011
BY TODD SPANGLER
DETROIT FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF


WASHINGTON -- Republican Mitt Romney continues to hold a small lead over President Barack Obama in a head-to-head matchup in Michigan, the latest EPIC-MRA Michigan poll showed Monday.

But support for Romney, a former Massachusetts governor whose father George was a three-term governor in Michigan, softened since the last poll in February, the new poll indicated.

The poll showed 46% of likely voters either supporting or leaning toward supporting Romney, compared to 41% supporting or leaning toward supporting Obama, with 12% undecided. Romney is considered to be the presumptive frontrunner among the large field of Republicans running for the nomination to face the Democrat, Obama, next year.

Romney’s overall edge over Obama in Michigan changed little from the 46%-41% margin he held in Lansing-based EPIC-MRA’s poll done five months ago. But Obama held a 39%-34% among voters who voiced clear support for one or the other. In February, both men were at 38% in terms of clear support.

Read more: http://www.freep.com/article/20110718/NEWS15/110718052/Romney-holds-onto-edge-over-Obama-Michigan-election-poll-shows?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

[onehandle]

1. WTF is wrong with Michigan these days? nt

[Demeter]

3. I'm living with morons

I didn't join the exodus because I was out of state for 29 years, and got a chance to come home.

There's money to be had, pulling asses out of cracks...

[PassingFair]

22. We don't have enough jobs.

People are desperate and will believe anyone
who promises jobs.

[RZM]

2. I wouldn't worry about this

Obama will carry Michigan no matter the Republican nominee.

[Demeter]

4. Only if Snyder Recall Works

Too early to tell.

[girl gone mad]

11. The economy is likely to be much worse by then..

I can't see what would push gains for the incumbent. Re-election will be a tough sell in these hardest-hit states.

[RZM]

12. You're right. But Michigan isn't as swingy as some others

I think Michigan might serve as a good example of how Obama does nationwide. He won't win by as large a margin as he did in 2008, but he'll still probably win. We'll see I guess. A lot could happen between now and then. I do agree that if things really go off the rails and Obama eats the lion's share of the blame then he is in trouble in places like Michigan.

[Romulox]

25. Er, you sure about that? Michigan went for Reagan twice, as well as HW in '88.

:shrug:

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/pre/MI/history.html

[RZM]

34. It's been a while though

24 years ago isn't yesterday. I'm not saying it's impossible. But I think it would take a much more tarnished Obama brand to give Michigan to Romney. If the nominee is someone like Perry or Bachmann, it will take even more than that.

Then again McCotter is running. He could win Michigan. Whether he could get the nomination or win anywhere else is a different question entirely :)

[secondwind]

17. I think you are right. the article plainly says support for Romney "has softened".... and besides,

I still don't think he will be the nominee.

[MineralMan]

5. It's a very long time between now and November, 2012.

This poll is useless as a predictor of that election.

[sinkingfeeling]

6. Did Snyder throw all the sane Michigan people out of the state?

[arundhatiroyfan]

7. In this day and age it is unbelievable that a Republican can edge a Democrat.

The Republican party should be a fringe phenomenon by now.

[Danchi]

8. Poll

OK people calm down. The first thing you need to ask is who PAID FOR THE POLL? What were the polling questions and most of all who did they poll? I learned in college you can make data say anything you'd like it to say. Also keep in mind over the last 2 years it's been reveled that the pollsters can only call people with landlines and the majority of people who have landlines are overwhelmingly republican, white, conservative and racist so the data is skewed before the poll begins.

[former9thward]

9. Actually you are wrong on many counts.

First if you read the link the Detroit Free Press paid for the poll. It was their poll. You are wrong about the landlines stuff. All polling companies now call cell phones. If you think all polls are worthless then why would politicians pay money for them?

[Danchi]

18. Poll

I disagree and would like to read your data or report because the last report I read from HP, which isn't a great source of accurate information but it gives you a place to start researching, most polling companies rely on landlines because no one wants to give out their private cell phone numbers which is why most people opt out of having their cell phone numbers on a list anywhere. So where did EPIC-MRA get random numbers? Most likely they given specific demographics to call and the phone numbers by whoever paid for the poll. At least that's what someone who works on the editorial staff at the Free Press told me last year. Also, where in the article did it say the Detroit Free Press paid for the poll? It names the polling company and that's all. I find the timing of the poll suspect because of the debt ceiling negotiations going on in Washington where other polls have indicated that people blame the republicans for the problems in getting the debt ceiling raised (although I think they did it 17 times with junior or Reagan. I get them confused because they were both abject failures. I digress -sorry)and it something happens the republicans would be to blame. Also, President Obama comes across as looking like the only adult in the room so throwing any mud right now is a distraction that republicans want and what better way to distract people who are basically dumbed down than with a poll saying a loser like Romney is beating Obama. I tell you, I've lived in Michigan all my life and I have never been called for a poll because demographics tell them they won't get the response they want. The article states:

The poll was based on a statewide survey of 600 active and likely
voters conducted July 9-11. It has a margin of error of plus or
minus 4 percentage points.

Research has showed that active, likely voters, as in the 2010 election, are overwhelmingly republicans.

Why would politicians pay for them? Data & MONEY! To enhance their creditability in the eyes of the money people and the uninformed American public, who has never researched how polls are done, who will on the basis of a poll send them money because the poll indicates he/she is a winner.

[former9thward]

27. Gallup does cell phones.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/110383/Does-Gallup-call-cell-phones.aspx. If you want to believe there is some big conspiracy by polling companies you will find a lot of company -- especially when people don't like the results. But I take data as it is not as I want it to be.

[Danchi]

36. Reading comprehension please

I did not say there was a conspiracy. Don't jump to conclusions and don't put words in my mouth or posting. I'm relying what I read earlier this year from HP. If gallup is doing cell phones-so be it. It's news to me but I will surely check it out. I will also contact the Free Press and find out if the polling company has access to phone numbers and possible who paid for the poll. I'm on a email list of people who receive regular emails from the editor for various focus groups that the paper has.

[Danchi]

37. EPIC-MRA doing cells?

This article says Gallup is doing cell phones. It doesn't say EPIC-MRA of Lansing, Michigan uses cell-phone. So unless you have this specific information your point is moot.

[former9thward]

41. Fail

"Also keep in mind over the last 2 years it's been reveled that the pollsters can only call people with landlines", Your quote. I disproved it with one hit of google. No I'm not going spend all day disproving your allegations which you are throwing out there.

[grahamhgreen]

10. Swing left or lose, Obama.

[Hawaii Hiker]

13. President Obama saves GM with the bailout

He should be winning Michigan by double digits....

:banghead: :banghead:

[julian09]

21. He did save the Michigan based US auto industry and workers

That is gratitude for you, unbelievable.
They are trying to make race appear close; so candidates will spend more campaign money in the state. A Gop president will surely improve Michigan's future combined with the governors agenda. :sarcasm: :silly:

[Romulox]

24. Obama demanded *painful* concessions from workers in return for GM, Chrysler bailouts

He demanded NOTHING even remotely similar for Wall Street. The difference did not escape our attention. :hi:

[DonCoquixote]

35. so

he could have simply let GM die. Fabulous.

[Safetykitten]

14. Amazed that this is a surprise to anyone.

[Danchi]

19. Surprise to anyone...

Read between the lines at what information you are not getting. I live in Michigan and I can tell you, it ain't so.

[Tarheel_Dem]

15. I thought the Obama critics said "polls this far out don't matter"?

Or is it just the polls that show the president in the lead? Can we make up our minds? :rofl:

If Michele Bachmann wins Iowa, she will take the nomination, thus making this poll moot. Bank on it! :hi:

[aggiesal]

16. Get serious everyone ...

if Romney carries Michigan, it won't be a big surprise because.

Daddy was Michigan's governor.
Mommy was a candidate for US Senate from Michigan.

Mitt was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 12, 1947
and is considered a product of Michigan.

[Danchi]

20. Seriously?

Where are you folks getting this stuff from? Romney wasn't a great Governor and most of the people in the state that had any allegiance to him are dead. His legacy here is zip. If you ask anyone on the street in Michigan who he was, they wouldn't know. Sorry, this is not a legacy state and Mitt jumped Michigan as fast as he could to go make the big bucks somewhere else. He couldn't be bothered in providing jobs here because of the unions and no one has forgotten that.

[aggiesal]

23. Welcome to DU ...

I'll defer to your knowledge, since it appears that you actually
live in Michigan.

But I'm in California, and no nothing about Michigan politics or
about Romney. Yet I was able to hear on the "Lame Stream Media"
that Romney is a son of Michigan.
So, I'm sure that some people in Michigan are hearing the same.
And now that he's been touring the state, I'm sure he dropping
a few bombs about being born and growing up in Detroit.

[Danchi]

38. I hear it too

He's going to play up whatever he can about being a "son of Michigan" but he is a dissonant absentee son with an attachment disorder. Please keep in mind, who owns the majority of the Lame Stream Media-basically the conservatives which includes Rupert Murdoch. Even the Detroit News is extremely conservative republican leaning. The Free Press and Detroit News are owned by the same company and even though the Free Press is suppose to be the more liberal paper, it's not so. Lame Stream Media is like CNN-CONTAIN NO NEWS.

[Hawaii Hiker]

28. Yeah, but Romney is not some hero of the working class

Romney is a smug aristocrat who basically sticks up his middle finger to middle class families....He has nothing in common with most Michigan voters...

And i disagree, it would be a surprise (in a bad way) if an SOB like Romney carried the state in a general election...Especially since MI. has gone blue in presidential elections since 1992...

[blue_onyx]

31. Romney

As another poster pointed out, the Romney legacy isn't strong despite what the media says because his father was governor so long ago. Anyone who voted for Mitt's father would be 65 or older now. Ronna Romney (mitt's former sister-in-law, not mother) lost the GOP primary for the senate in 1994 and then lost to Levin by 18% in 1996. Mitt's older brother lost the GOP nomination for Attorney General in 1998. If the Romney name was so strong in MI, things should've gone better for other family members.

[Romulox]

26. Either the economy improves significantly in the next 12 months, or Michigan is "in play"

Believe it.

[blue_onyx]

29. I think Obama will win MI

It will be closer but I think he'll win. Obama owes Snyder a big thank you for pissing people off.

[Romulox]

30. The issue there...if Michigan isn't a "gimme", Obama will have to CAMPAIGN here.

If you'll recall 2008, Obama scarcely placed a foot in Michigan, and actively fought against our early primary.

"Obama owes Snyder a big thank you for pissing people off."

I'd like to recall Snyder.

[blue_onyx]

32. I would like a recall too

They had a Recall Snyder stand set up right by my house the other day but I was in a hurry so I couldn't stop. I'll have to find another spot to sign the petition soon.

I think 2012 is why the MI Democratic Party isn't supporting the recall. They would rather have Snyder continue to screw things up and piss people off because it would be better (and easier) politically for the Dems.

[Danchi]

40. Snyder Petition Locations

The Committee to recall Rick Snyder The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil ...
is for good men to do nothing.~~Edmund Burke

http://firericksnyder.org

Oakland County

STATIONARY LOCATION See Details times Vary
Community Health Acupuncture Center, 801 Livernois St, Ferndale, MI 48220
From : Tuesday, 05 July 2011 02:00 PM
Until : Friday, 29 July 2011 07:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 18
Oakland County Democratic Office Stationary Signing
91 N. Saginaw Street, Suite G-100, Pontiac, MI 48342
From : Monday, 18 July 2011 08:00 AM
Until : Friday, 22 July 2011 04:00 PM
0 guests are attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 18
OAKLAND COUNTY, HIGHLAND TWP. POST OFFICE, MON, JULY 18TH
376 Beach Farm Cir, Highland, MI 48356
From : Monday, 18 July 2011 03:00 PM
Until : Monday, 18 July 2011 06:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 20
Weekly Petition Signing - Farwell, MI
105 E. Main St, Farwell, MI 48622
From : Wednesday, 20 July 2011 02:00 PM
Until : Wednesday, 20 July 2011 05:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 22
Weekly Signing - Farwell, MI
105 E. Main St, Farwell, MI 48622
From : Friday, 22 July 2011 02:00 PM
Until : Friday, 22 July 2011 05:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 23
Eastern Market in Detroit
2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
From : Saturday, 23 July 2011 09:00 AM
Until : Saturday, 23 July 2011 12:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 23
Oxford Township Public Library on Pontiac Street Weather Permitting
530 Pontiac St Oxford, Michigan
From : Saturday, 23 July 2011 10:00 AM
Until : Saturday, 23 July 2011 02:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 23
Weekly Signing - Farwell, MI
105 E. Main St, Farwell, MI 48622
From : Saturday, 23 July 2011 02:00 PM
Until : Saturday, 23 July 2011 05:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 25
Oakland County Democratic Office Stationary Signing
91 N. Saginaw Street, Suite G-100, Pontiac, MI 48342
From : Monday, 25 July 2011 08:00 AM
Until : Friday, 29 July 2011 04:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 27
Weekly Petition Signing - Farwell, MI
105 E. Main St, Farwell, MI 48622
From : Wednesday, 27 July 2011 02:00 PM
Until : Wednesday, 27 July 2011 05:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 29
Weekly Signing - Farwell, MI
105 E. Main St, Farwell, MI 48622
From : Friday, 29 July 2011 02:00 PM
Until : Friday, 29 July 2011 05:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 30
Eastern Market in Detroit
2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
From : Saturday, 30 July 2011 09:00 AM
Until : Saturday, 30 July 2011 12:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 30
Weekly Signing - Farwell, MI
105 E. Main St, Farwell, MI 48622
From : Saturday, 30 July 2011 02:00 PM
Until : Saturday, 30 July 2011 05:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 18
14th Democratic Club Petition Signing
20225 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221
From : Monday, 18 July 2011 08:00 AM
Until : Friday, 22 July 2011 05:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 18
Daily Petition Signing 'Station'
19800 West Rd, Woodhaven, MI 48183
From : Monday, 18 July 2011 11:00 AM
Until : Friday, 22 July 2011 06:30 PM
1 guest is attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 18
Flat Rock Recall Rick Snyder Stationary Signing Event
23157 Telegraph Road, Brownstown Twp, MI 48134
From : Monday, 18 July 2011 12:00 PM
Until : Saturday, 23 July 2011 03:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 18
Elizabeth Park Daily Petition Signing
Elizabeth Park, Trenton, MI 48183
From : Monday, 18 July 2011 06:30 PM
Until : Friday, 22 July 2011 08:30 PM
1 guest is attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 19
Taylor Federation of Teachers Local 1085 Petition Signing Event
22770 Northline Taylor, MI 48180
From : Tuesday, 19 July 2011 11:00 AM
Until : Tuesday, 19 July 2011 03:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 19
Dearborn Petition Signing Event
13615 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
From : Tuesday, 19 July 2011 11:30 AM
Until : Tuesday, 19 July 2011 03:30 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 19
Food Land Petition Signing Event
18551 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
From : Tuesday, 19 July 2011 12:00 PM
Until : Tuesday, 19 July 2011 02:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 20
Taylor Federation of Teachers Local 1085 Petition Signing Event
22770 Northline Taylor, MI 48180
From : Wednesday, 20 July 2011 11:00 AM
Until : Wednesday, 20 July 2011 03:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 20
Food Land Petition Signing Event
18551 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
From : Wednesday, 20 July 2011 12:00 PM
Until : Wednesday, 20 July 2011 02:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 21
Taylor Federation of Teachers Local 1085 Petition Signing Event
22770 Northline Taylor, MI 48180
From : Thursday, 21 July 2011 11:00 AM
Until : Thursday, 21 July 2011 03:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 21
Food Land Petition Signing Event
18551 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
From : Thursday, 21 July 2011 12:00 PM
Until : Thursday, 21 July 2011 02:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 23
Eastern Market Petition Signing Event
2934 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48207
From : Saturday, 23 July 2011 09:00 AM
Until : Saturday, 23 July 2011 12:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 23
Apollo Super Market Petition Signing Event
20250 W 7 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48219
From : Saturday, 23 July 2011 10:30 AM
Until : Saturday, 23 July 2011 01:30 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 25
14th Democratic Club Petition Signing
20225 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221
From : Monday, 25 July 2011 08:00 AM
Until : Friday, 29 July 2011 05:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 25
Daily Petition Signing 'Station'
19800 West Rd, Woodhaven, MI 48183
From : Monday, 25 July 2011 11:00 AM
Until : Friday, 29 July 2011 06:30 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 25
Flat Rock Recall Rick Snyder Stationary Signing Event
23157 Telegraph Road, Brownstown Twp, MI 48134
From : Monday, 25 July 2011 12:00 PM
Until : Saturday, 30 July 2011 03:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 25
Elizabeth Park Daily Petition Signing
Elizabeth Park, Trenton, MI 48183
From : Monday, 25 July 2011 06:30 PM
Until : Friday, 29 July 2011 08:30 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 26
Taylor Federation of Teachers Local 1085 Petition Signing Event
22770 Northline Taylor, MI 48180
From : Tuesday, 26 July 2011 11:00 AM
Until : Tuesday, 26 July 2011 03:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 26
Food Land Petition Signing Event
18551 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
From : Tuesday, 26 July 2011 12:00 PM
Until : Tuesday, 26 July 2011 02:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 27
Taylor Federation of Teachers Local 1085 Petition Signing Event
22770 Northline Taylor, MI 48180
From : Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:00 AM
Until : Wednesday, 27 July 2011 03:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 27
Food Land Petition Signing Event
18551 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
From : Wednesday, 27 July 2011 12:00 PM
Until : Wednesday, 27 July 2011 02:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 28
Taylor Federation of Teachers Local 1085 Petition Signing Event
22770 Northline Taylor, MI 48180
From : Thursday, 28 July 2011 11:00 AM
Until : Thursday, 28 July 2011 03:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 28
Food Land Petition Signing Event
18551 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
From : Thursday, 28 July 2011 12:00 PM
Until : Thursday, 28 July 2011 02:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 29
RECALL RICK SNDYER BENEFIT CONCERT
22920 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
From : Friday, 29 July 2011 08:00 PM
Until : Saturday, 30 July 2011 12:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 30
Eastern Market Petition Signing Event
2934 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48207
From : Saturday, 30 July 2011 09:00 AM
Until : Saturday, 30 July 2011 12:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 30
Apollo Super Market Petition Signing Event
20250 W 7 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48219
From : Saturday, 30 July 2011 10:30 AM
Until : Saturday, 30 July 2011 01:30 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 17
Almost Daily Signing Events
Washetnaw County, MI
From : Sunday, 17 July 2011 12:00 PM
Until : Friday, 29 July 2011 09:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 18
Ypsilanti Township Petition Signing
2010 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
From : Monday, 18 July 2011 04:00 PM
Until : Monday, 18 July 2011 08:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 18
Recall and Repeal Petition Signing Event-Townie Party-Ann Arbor
N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
From : Monday, 18 July 2011 05:00 PM
Until : Monday, 18 July 2011 09:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event
Ongoing

Jul 19
Weekly Downtown Ypsilanti Farmer's Market
S Hamilton St & Ferris St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
From : Tuesday, 19 July 2011 02:00 PM
Until : Tuesday, 19 July 2011 06:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 20
Ann Arbor Art Fair Petition Signing Event
322 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
From : Wednesday, 20 July 2011 09:00 AM
Until : Friday, 22 July 2011 09:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 21
Manchester Chicken Broil-Recall-Repeal Signing Event
E Vernon St & Wolverine St, Manchester, MI 48158
From : Thursday, 21 July 2011 02:30 PM
Until : Thursday, 21 July 2011 08:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 23
Weekly Ypsilanti Depot Town Farmer's Market Stationary Event
100 Rice St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
From : Saturday, 23 July 2011 09:00 AM
Until : Saturday, 23 July 2011 01:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 23
Ann Arbor Art Fair Petition Signing Event
322 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
From : Saturday, 23 July 2011 09:00 AM
Until : Saturday, 23 July 2011 06:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 23
Recall Petition signing at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show
Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
From : Saturday, 23 July 2011 10:00 AM
Until : Sunday, 24 July 2011 05:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 26
Weekly Downtown Ypsilanti Farmer's Market
S Hamilton St & Ferris St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
From : Tuesday, 26 July 2011 02:00 PM
Until : Tuesday, 26 July 2011 06:00 PM
1 guest is attending this event

Jul 30
Weekly Ypsilanti Depot Town Farmer's Market Stationary Event
100 Rice St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
From : Saturday, 30 July 2011 09:00 AM
Until : Saturday, 30 July 2011 01:00 PM

[Danchi]

39. I'd like to recall Snyder.

If you live in Michigan the Recall Snyder campaign is in full swing. Go to: http://firericksnyder.org/ and find a petition location.

[Imagevision]

33. Right now Romney needs to be attentaive of Bachman

[TomCADem]

42. Of Course, Romney Ripped On Obama's Bailout Of The Auto Industry...

...while he now says that he is for it, the fact of the matter is that he was against putting any federal money or support on the line. He favored just letting the companies go bankrupt without federal bailout money, which means that they get liquidated to satisfy creditors.