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Unpopular Mich. Governor Could Hurt Obama

Granholm heads list of Democrats' problems in vital state

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 11, 2008 10:15 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Michigan has gone blue in every presidential election since 1988, and it should have been an easy state for Barack Obama to win in November. But the presumptive nominee has an albatross around his neck: Jennifer Granholm, the intensely unpopular Democratic governor. Frustration with Granholm is just one of the factors imperiling Obama's campaign there, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Obama got a late start in Michigan, having refused to contest the state's problematic primary. He has also made critical comments about the auto industry, and the travails of Detroit's mayor haven't helped. But blame for the state's faltering economy has fallen on Granholm, and that could hurt Obama most. One furious voter calls her "the worst governor this state has ever had."

Michelle Obama listens to Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm speak during a working women's round table discussion at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac, Mich. Wednesday, July 09, 2008.
Michelle Obama listens to Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm speak during a working women's round table discussion at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac, Mich. Wednesday, July 09, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gary Malerba)
Barack Obama raises his hands with former Vice President Al Gore, left, and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm at the Joe Lewis Arena in Detroit, Monday, June 16, 2008.
Barack Obama raises his hands with former Vice President Al Gore, left, and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm at the Joe Lewis Arena in Detroit, Monday, June 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a town hall-style meeting in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, July 10, 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a town hall-style meeting in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, July 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets supporters after speaking at a town hall-style meeting in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, July 10, 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets supporters after speaking at a town hall-style meeting in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, July 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks to supporters during a campaign stop Thursday, July 10, 2008 in New York.
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks to supporters during a campaign stop Thursday, July 10, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
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Michelle Obama campaigns in Michigan
Detroit Free Press

 
Barack Obama • Detroit • Michigan • Jennifer Granholm • Kwame Kilpatrick • swing states

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