Michigan governor candidates see 'The Bump' after forum appearances

You can call it "The Bump."  It's the boost a candidate receives when they face the tough, important issues head on, like environmental protection and Michigan's future. It just so happens that two of the three candidates who attended our May 12 forum at Central Michigan University are leading in the polls, according to The Detroit News. 

Republican Rick Snyder is leading in his party's race, and Democrat Virg Bernero is leading on the Democratic side, says a survey by Public Policy Polling of North Carolina. Snyder and Bernero sat side-by-side at our forum. Next to them was Republican Tom George, who came in at the bottom in the latest poll but still gets extra credit for attending the forum. 

The other candidates who didn't attend, Republicans Pete Hoekstra, Mike Cox and Mike Bouchard, all now have less support than Snyder. 

Bernero beat out Democrat Andy Dillon, also a no-show at the forum.

Coincidence? Either way, it's no coincidence that Michigan's environment is tied to the success and health of its economy. 

All seven candidates are to take part in a forum Thursday at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island.

If the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund holds another forum after the August primary, the winners will be invited to discuss topics like alternative energy, environmental justice and natural resources. And the public is bound to take notice. 

--- Image credits: Top, Bernero via Flickr. Bottom, Snyder via Flickr.