Granholm connects with Michigan voters - 1/19/04
In her deficit-plagued rookie year, Gov. Jennifer Granholm cut deeply into state services and education funding, raised numerous fees, delayed a statewide income tax cut, sparred with the Republican-controlled Legislature — and emerged a heroine.

Granholm, a Democrat, has an eye-popping 77 percent job approval rating, according to a Detroit News poll of 400 registered voters conducted last week.

At the same time, Republican President George W. Bush appears to be on solid footing to capture this state in his re-election bid. He has an overall 63 percent job approval rating, the survey shows.

Overall, Michigan voters are fairly satisfied with their political leaders, regardless of their party affiliation. The Republican-dominated state Legislature won support from a majority of those who participated in the poll, and Democratic Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick drew high marks among those most familiar with him.

Good news, bad news kind of thing. 63% Bush? Ewwww. C'mon Michigan. It's very interesting that we are in the middle of a recession (still) in Michigan, but yet we approve of our leaders regardless of party affiliation.