It's projected to be an uphill battle for Democrats this fall
MARQUETTE -- It's not looking good for Democrats in the mid-term elections. And Michigan is no exception.
In recent polls, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero is down more than 20 points to Republican Rick Snyder. But Bernero says this isn't the first election he's been the underdog.
"I've been underestimated my whole career. I was 20 points down in the primary, I came back and won by 20 points so I’m not deterred by the polls. I’m not worried about the polls,” said Bernero. “The poll that matters opens at 7 a.m. on November 2nd and closes at 8 p.m."
Not surprisingly, Bernero's big issue: the economy. He says this is a race between Main Street and Wall Street, with Snyder representing the latter.
"When times got tough at Gateway, he sold out the workers; he cut and ran and he pocketed millions of dollars,” Bernero said. “I don't believe that's the kind of leadership Michigan needs."
Bernero wasn't hitting on typical Democratic talking points. Friday morning he spoke mainly about his accomplishments as mayor of Lansing. He claims he cut government there by close to 20 percent. He says it will be Main Street policies that get Michigan back on track.
And if elected, Bernero's plans to create a Main Street bank that will support community banks and community credit unions so that they can make loans for new equipment and facility expansions--an effort to create more jobs.
"The Main Street bank will backstop those banks using our credit, using our dollars--taxpayer dollars--that are now taking one way trips to Wall Street,” Bernero said. “Keep it here, use our money to invest in us."
Given Governor Jennifer Granholm's struggling economy this year, analysts say it will most likely be difficult for Bernero to win.
Later in the evening, Bernero spoke with community members in Escanaba. And Saturday, it was back to Lansing.
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