Poll: Michigan's chance of being battleground state slim as Obama holds wide lead over Romney

By Dawson Bell/Detroit Free Press

Michigan’s chance of becoming a battleground state in this year’s presidential election appears to be fading as President Obama currently holds a wide lead here over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, according to a poll released today.

The poll by Public Policy Polling, a Democratic-leaning firmed based in North Carolina, found Obama leading Romney 53% to 39%.

That was little changed from the last time PPP conducted a Michigan poll in February, when Obama led 54%-38%.

PPP’s Tom Jenson said Michigan native Romney appears not to be benefitting from his longstanding ties to the state. He is viewed favorably by only 35% of voters, compared to 57% who have a negative view.

Obama, by contrast, is viewed favorably by 53%, compared to 41% unfavorable.

Jensen said Romney would not improve his standing here by putting Gov. Rick Snyder on the ticket either. Snyder’s own favorability has declined since February, according to the poll, from 40% favorable and 47% unfavorable to 37% favorable and 52% unfavorable.

PPP surveyed 500 Michigan voters between May 24-27 using automated telephone calls. The margin of error for the poll was plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.