If you think it's a tad early to talk about an election next fall, you're a normal person who likely focuses more on presents than politics right now.
Political analysts see the bid by Mark Schauer (left) to unseat Gov. Rick Snyder as a key race to watch.
But if you're a campaign wonk or journalist, this summary of Paul Egan's Free Press preview is for you.
The lines are drawn for what national analysts say will be one of the most closely watched elections of 2014, pitting Republican incumbent Gov. Rick Snyder against Democratic challenger Mark Schauer. . . .
Snyder has the clear edge in name recognition, money and the support of the business community.
Schauer has the support of labor and some unpopular Snyder decisions on his side. But it’s not clear he can leverage those into a November victory.
The Washington Post’s “The Fix” blog ranks Michigan sixth among its Top 15 gubernatorial races to watch, while questioning Schauer’s ability to raise the needed cash.
No incumbent governor has been defeated in Michigan since John Engler upset Jim Blanchard in 1990. Also unhelpful to Democrats in 2014 is the fact Michigan voters have favored the candidate whose party does not occupy the White House in 15 out of 18 elections for governor since 1954. . . .
The first major test will be Jan. 31, when reports are due that will show how much campaign money Snyder and Schauer have raised in the last year. Putting up solid numbers is critical for Schauer.
The Democrat, a 52-year-old former congressman from Battle Creek, "is encouraged by the fact most polls show Snyder with only a small lead and approval ratings below 50%," Egan writes.
For now, it's still a one-man race -- if that phrase even makes sense -- as far as confirmed candidates go.
Snyder hasn’t officially announced plans to seek a second term, but has done everything short of that to suggest he is running. Schauer hasn’t locked up the Democratic nomination, but an alternative candidate looks increasingly unlikely. . . .
Schauer said Snyder is far too self-congratulatory as the leader of a state where November’s 8.8% unemployment rate remains among the worst in the nation. . . . “Gov. Snyder came into office and balanced the budget on the backs of schools, retirees and the middle class. He gave a $1.8-billion tax cut to corporations that’s not creating jobs.”
