© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Michigan Republicans cheer new poll that shows presidential race is tied in Michigan

Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio

A new poll of likely Michigan voters shows Republican Mitt Romney has pulled even with President Barack Obama.   That news was greeted with cheers today at the Republican National Convention.

Michigan is often referred to as a ‘second tier’ swing state.  One that likely Mitt Romney will have trouble winning over to the Republican column.   But the new Mitchell Research poll of twelve hundred voters may change that perception.    The poll found 47 percent of likely Michigan voters back the president.   47 percent support his Republican challenger.  

10 days ago, a similar poll showed Obama with a five percentage point lead in Michigan.

At their breakfast this morning, Michigan delegates heard from former presidential candidate Newt Gingrich who urged them to focus on more than just the presidential race.  He says a Republican win in this fall’s U.S. Senate race is also important.

“Because if we get both in Michigan, we’re going to be governing this country,” Gingrich told the Michigan delegates,  “We can’t govern if we only elect the president…and you have Harry Reid blocking everything in the Senate.”

According to the pollsters, much of Romney’s gain in Michigan has come from independent voters.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
Related Content