MARSHALL, Mich. (AP) – Not so long ago, Republicans were giddy about prospects for seizing the Michigan U.S. Senate seat held for more than three decades by retiring Democrat Sen. Carl Levin.
They had good reason. Michigan voters had given the GOP control of the statehouse and governor’s office, and conservative organizations prepared to deluge the state’s airwaves. But as midterm elections loom, Republican optimism has faded.
The Republican candidate, Terri Lynn Land, is pro-business and a two-term secretary of state. But she has been tripped up by lackluster public appearances, internal polling concerns and dwindling outside financial support.
Says Bob LaBrant, a Republican former lobbyist for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce: “She hasn’t made a strong impression.”