Remember Bill Clinton’s successful presidential campaign in 1992? The Democratic strategist, James Carville, hung a sign in Clinton’s campaign headquarters that had the following three points -

1. Change vs. more of the same
2. The economy, stupid
3. Don’t forget health care.

You know, both Granholm and DeVos could both be using those three points in their campaigns this year. Especially now that a recent poll from the Detroit News shows that 79% of Michigan voters polled say the economy (stupid) is the top challenge facing Michigan. Also, 64% believe that Michigan’s economy is getting weaker with only 9% thinking it is getting stronger.

One of the poll’s scariest numbers (at least to me) was that Education was in second place (behind the Economy at 79%) with 4% believing that it is the most serious issue affecting Michigan. Without a proper education how will the future Michigan workforce be any better prepared for a rapidly changing economy than our current workforce?

Will it be Governor Granholm or her challenger Dick DeVos that creates a solid plan (with hard facts and figures) and gives Michigan voters enough hope to garner their votes this November?