FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Claudia Kerbawy
Phone: 517-367-7400
Email: info@alexanderforcongress.com
Website: alexanderforcongress.com

East Lansing, MI - A survey[i] of likely voters in Michigan’s 8^th Congressional District shows that Republican incumbent Mike Rogers is weak and vulnerable to defeat by challenger Bob Alexander in his 2008 bid for re-election.

 

Mike Rogers’s Re-Elect Number Is Only 31%

 

Despite 8 years of incumbency, Rogers’ re-elect number is 31%, below 50%, one of the lowest re-election rates among congressional Republicans nationwide. About two thirds of the voters in the district are ready to replace Rogers or are undecided on whether to re-elect or replace him.

 

The district is positioned to vote Democratic at the top of the ticket. The race for president is clear in Michigan’s 8^th District (46% Obama, 36% McCain, 18% undecided). Obama’s coattails can only help Alexander to unseat Rogers.

 

Mike Rogers’ Bush Rubber-Stamp policy is inconsistent with the district, and a liability for his candidacy. When voters were told about Rogers’ strong support for President George W. Bush voters abandoned Rogers in favor of Alexander or to undecided.

 

Informed Final Head-to-Head

Democrat Bob Alexander	51%
Republican Mike Rogers	31%
Undecided Voters	18%

 

Provided with balanced statements on both candidates, Rogers’ support dissolves, Alexander takes the lead. Voters are deeply troubled by Rogers’ strong support of President George W. Bush. Alexander takes a significant lead among voters; 51% to 31%, a large swing in support of Alexander.

 

Conclusion: Rogers is Vulnerable

After introducing voters to Rogers’ and Alexander’s profiles, voters swing to Alexander. Specifically, Rogers’ record on strongly supporting President George W. Bush raises serious doubts about the Congressman. Democrat Bob Alexander has a unique profile that can make this an upset victory if he has the resources to communicate his message and define Rogers.

 

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[i] Christensen & Associates Inc. directed the survey, which was conducted by phone by the campaign.  The survey was conducted September 15-26, among 263 likely 2008 General Election voters in Michigan’s 8^th Congressional District.   The margin of error for the full sample is +/-6.9 percentage points.