Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm

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With Michigan's rickety economy continuing to loom large in minds of many voters—45% say it is the election issue that most concerns them—Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) and Republican Dick DeVos remain locked in an extremely competitive battle for the governor's mansion.

In our July survey DeVos, son of the Amway founder, wrested a six-point advantage over the incumbent. But Governor Granholm now nominally leads in the contest, 47% to 46% (see crosstabs).

The candidates split the votes of those most worried about the economy. In most races around the country, that issue works to the advantage of Democrats this election cycle.

DeVos has a slight edge with unaffiliated voters along with those who view immigration and national security as key issues. Granholm does much better with moderates and those who view the War in Iraq and government corruption as the main voting issues..

The general trend of the campaign, confirmed by our rolling three-poll averages, shows DeVos gradually pulling even with an incumbent who has been beleaguered all along by repeated bad news for the auto and allied industries in the state.

Devos was able to capitalize on the governor's troubles early on, using his fortune to quickly get his message and an already well-known name before the public.

The two candidates have comparable favorable numbers, with 56% viewing each favorably. Fifty-two percent (52%) approve of how Granholm is doing her job.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of Michigan voters say the political system is "badly broken," including 42% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.

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Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, has been an independent pollster for more than a decade.