Here Are The Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #10060

Geography Surveyed: Michigan
Data Collected: 08/19/2006 - 08/21/2006
Release Date: 08/22/2006 11:20 AM ET
Sponsors: WDIO-TV Duluth, WDIV-TV Detroit, WZZM-TV Grand Rapids

DeVos, Granholm Tied in MI Governor Race: In an election for Governor of Michigan today, 8/22/06, incumbent Democrat Jennifer Granholm and Republican challenger Dick DeVos tie at 47%, according to an exclusive SurveyUSA poll conducted for WDIV-TV Detroit, WDIO-TV Duluth and WZZM-TV Grand Rapids. Granholm leads by 15 points among women. DeVos leads by 13 points among men, a 28-point "gender gap." DeVos is up 10 among white voters. Granholm is up 65 points among black voters. Republicans support DeVos 13:1. Democrats support Granholm 6:1. 14% of Democrats cross over to vote for the Republican DeVos. Independents split. Granholm leads 2:1 in Wayne County. DeVos leads in other regions of Michigan. The election is in 11 weeks, on 11/7/06.

Stabenow With Single-Digit Lead Over Bouchard: In an election for United States Senate in Michigan today, 8/22/06, incumbent Democrat Debbie Stabenow defeats Republican challenger Mike Bouchard by 9 points, according to an exclusive SurveyUSA poll conducted for WDIO-TV Duluth, WZZM-TV Grand Rapids and WDIV-TV Detroit. 11 weeks to the 11/7/06 election, Stabenow gets 51%. Bouchard gets 42%. Stabenow leads by 22 points among women. Bouchard leads by 3 points among men, a 25-point "gender gap." Stabenow leads by 82 points among Democrats. Bouchard leads by 80 points among Republicans. Independents split. Democrats outnumber Republicans among Michigan likely voters by 41% to 31%, which accounts for Stabenow's lead. 84% of those who approve of President Bush's job performance vote for the Republican Bouchard. 75% of those who disapprove of Bush vote for the Democrat Stabenow. President George W. Bush's approval rating among Michigan likely voters is 33%.

Voters Unfamiliar With Civil Rights Initiative: Most Michigan voters today, 8/22/06, are unfamiliar with the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, which will be on the November ballot. Of those respondents who expressed a preference in the Governor and U.S. Senate contests, 70% say they are not familiar with the Civil Rights initiative. Of those likely voters familiar with the Initiative, 40% vote "Yes," 32% vote "No," 28% are undecided. With voter interest, at this point, low, sample size correspondingly low, and many voters undecided, no conclusions may be drawn as to whether the initiative will pass or fail. The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative would amend the state constitution to prohibit state universities and all other state entities from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. The exact ballot language was not read to poll respondents.

Filtering: 1,600 Michigan adults were interviewed 8/19/06 - 8/21/06. Of them, 1,423 were registered to vote. Of them, 988 were judged to be "likely voters" for Governor and U.S. Senator. Of the 988 likely voters, just 300 were familiar with the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. Only those familiar with the Initiative were asked how they would vote on the question.