In the race for Michigan’s Governor, incumbent Jennifer Granholm (D) faced off yesterday on C-Span in a televised debate against challenger Dick Devos (R). Rasmussen polls had Granholm with a slight lead on May 5, 2006 with 44% against Devos’ 43%.

Granholm came out very knowledgeable with the facts and current situation in a state that has been battered with a majority stake in the automotive industry. She inherited over a $4 billion dollar deficit from the previous Republican legislature and said that cuts needed to be made in order to remain financially responsible to the future citizens of Michigan. She then proceeded to outline a specific plan that reinforced the actions she was already taking in order to reduce Michigan’s economic dependency on the automotive sector. Her goal is to shift this focus to include job growth areas of the 21st century, which include industry in alternative energy, investment in education, and defense.

In regards to the issues, Devos stated that he does not support abortion in the event of rape or incest. In response, Granholm showed her disgust and reinforced her beliefs that the life and health of the mother is also important and that abortion should be acceptable under the circumstances mentioned above.

Another issue I believe Granholm handled well was stem-cell research. She stated her view was in the mainstream in that taking discarded embryos and conducting research is common sense. My favorite line of hers was, “Pro-cure is Pro-life.”

Devos on the other hand was completely transparent in his responses. Most of his answers seemed programmed and insincere. There was very little substance and few specifics on a plan to improve Michigan’s situation. He hammered the word leadership almost every five seconds. Talk about putting your audience to sleep. Then it was the all too familiar smirk. A smile that says, “Hey, come over here and wipe it off for me because I look like an ass.” Now that I think of it, the amusing smile reminds me of President Bush when he is all gitty over completing a sentence in English.

Not to my surprise, most of Michigan shared my same opinions on the debate. In a recent poll conducted following this first debate, 67% say Jennifer Granholm won compared to just 32% for Dick Devos. (Source: WZZM 13 Grand Rapids)