Emerson Poll: Dem Women Leading in Key Michigan Races

A pair of Democratic women are firmly leading their Republican counterparts in Michigan, including incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., holding a 9-point edge on the GOP's John James in the latest Emerson College Poll.

Sen. Stabenow drew 52 percent to James' 43 percent with just 4 percent undecided. Stabenow's re-election is a must-have if the Democrats are going to challenge Republicans for control of the Senate.

In the gubernatorial race, Democratic candidate Gretchen Whitmer leads Republican Bill Schuette by 11 points 52-41 percent in a bid for Democrats to reclaim the governorship.

While Stabenow leads the polling for the Senate seat, there is a slight opening for James to close ground because of wider gap in favorability, though.

• James: 44 percent favorable and 27 percent unfavorable for a 17-point difference.
• Stabenow: 50 percent favorable and 39 percent unfavorable for a 11-point difference.

The poll was conducted by Emerson College, which surveyed 822 potential voters Oct. 24-26 with a plus or minus 3.6 percentage point margin of error.

• John Gizzi: Republican John James Closes in on Michigan's Sen. Stabenow
• John Gizzi: Republican Schuette Catches Up in Michigan Governor's Race