The latest polls out of Michigan are VERY encouraging for several Democratic House incumbents. My representative, Mark Schauer (MI-07), has opened up a six point lead on Republican Tim Walberg.
Nearby, in Michigan's ninth CD, Representative Gary Peters has built a five point lead over Republican Rocky Raczkowski.
This latest polling - by EPIC-MRA - is notable for several reasons. First, both candidates have trailed in their respective races. But both have closed fast during the past month and the momentum seems to be continuing.
Both candidates are also facing a stiff headwind given the large Democratic Party deficit in the Michigan governor's race. Republican Rick Snyder holds a 23 point lead over Virg Bernero in the same poll.
This means that both Schauer and Peters will depend on ticket-splitters to carry them to victory. And this poll suggests that Schauer holds the support of 19% of Snyder voters within the 7th. Peters holds more than 20% of Snyder's voters within the ninth.
Given the negative political climate for Democrats, the potential negatives of incumbancy, the drag from the top of the ticket, Michigan's decade-long recession and the unpopularity of Michigan Gov. Granholm, it is simply amazing that Schauer and Peters are pulling ahead.
They are both running FANTASTIC campaigns.
Freep: Schauer Ahead
Freep: Peters up on Rocky