LANSING – Even as Republicans, both in Michigan and in national circles, cast about for potential candidates for U.S. Senate, former Secretary of State Terri Land, the only announced GOP candidate, continues to poll well.
A survey released Thursday by the Republican polling firm Harper Polling showed Ms. Land leading a possible four-way Republican primary field with a solid 45 percent plurality compared to 16 percent for Holland Mayor Kurt Dykstra, 4 percent for Rob Steele and 2 percent for West Bloomfield District Judge Kimberly Small.
Only Ms. Land has declared her candidacy. The other three have indicated they are considering a run. The poll also compared Land to Steele in a head-to-head race for the Republican nomination. Land led Steele, 50 percent to 13 percent.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has met with Small about a possible bid.
Meanwhile, a poll conducted by East Lansing-based Mitchell Research and Communication of general election voters showed both Land and Dykstra polling well against the presumptive Democratic nominee, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township. Land and Peters were essentially in a dead heat with Land taking 39 percent to 36 percent for Peters, The Holland Sentinel reported. Peters also was in a dead heat with Dykstra, 38 percent favoring Peters to 37 percent for Dykstra.
The Mitchell poll was conducted via automated telephone interviews of 1,881 likely voters on August 26 and has an error margin of plus or minus 2.23 percentage points.
Steele issued a statement Thursday indicating he continues to consider whether to run. “I am weighing this decision carefully,” he said in an email to supporters. “I’ve pulled together a great group of friends and family, and together we are examining a potential run.”
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