Page "United States gubernatorial elections, 2006" Paragraph 36

Michigan, like many other Midwestern states, had been unable to take advantage of reported national economic and job growth.

A string of plant and factory closings by big name companies such as General Motors in Granholm's state led to growing disapproval of her among voters.

Opposing her was wealthy Republican businessman Dick DeVos.

Throughout the race polls showed the election to be close, but in the last days Granholm pulled ahead.

According to a November 1 EPIC-MRA poll, Granholm led DeVos 52 % to 43 % with 5 % undecided.

A November 4 SurveyUSA poll had Granholm leading DeVos 51 % to 45 %.

Ultimately, Democratic incumbent Jennifer Granholm was re-elected with 56 percent of the vote.