Poll: Gov. Rick Snyder Extends Lead in 2014 Race

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has further strengthened his lead over likely Democratic challenger Mark Schauer in next year's gubernatorial race.

The Great Lake State's top lawmaker, a Republican, leads 44.5 percent to Schauer’s 31 percent in a statewide poll, the Detroit News reports.

In July, Snyder had a 6-point lead over Schauer, a former congressman from Battle Creek.

Possible reasons for Snyder's popularity boost are the legislation he signed expanding the Medicaid health insurance program for the poor and an "increased optimism in the economy among voters," the newspaper reports.

"Right now, when people talk about Gov. Snyder, they’re talking about Detroit and health care," pollster Dennis Denno told the News.

"They’re not talking the pension tax, they’re not talking about right to work. And that’s exactly what he wants them to be talking about."

Related Stories:

• Michigan's 'Nerdy' Rick Snyder Says He's GOP Model
• Michigan's Snyder Made Tough Decisions, Now Faces Re-election Fight