FREEFALL

According to a new EPIC-MRA poll, through June 3, Michigan may no longer be in play for President Trump, as presumed Democratic nominee Joe Biden has widened his lead in the state 53 percent to 41 percent. The 12-point lead has implications down ballot, notably impacting the U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Gary Peters and Republican challenger John James. According to the EPIC-MRA poll, Peters, of Bloomfield Township, currently leads James, of Farmington Hills, 51 percent to 36 percent, with 13 percent undecided or choosing not to say. Peters’ 15 percent lead is his largest so far; as recently as this winter the two were statistically tied. “Peters is in the stronger position,” Republican political consultant Dennis Darnoi said. He noted in 2018, when James ran against Sen. Debbie Stabenow, “he had the luxury of not having straight party ticket voting. But now, with straight party ticket voting and everything so partisan, it’s going to be difficult for him. It’s hard to see who the voter is who would vote for Joe Biden, then John James, and then their Democratic congressperson.” He noted further, that while James has done a formidable job fundraising, there will not be any money coming later on from the national party system. “There are huge challenges in Maine, Arizona, Colorado, and the money will go there. He’s swimming against the tide. There will not be any national support coming in.”