In July 2004, freshman Gov. Jennifer Granholm was in such demand for interviews at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, she even turned down star ABC News anchorman Peter Jennings. She was toasted as a bright new hope, chosen for a prime-time speech. Admirers were disappointed to learn she was born in Canada and therefore can never run for president. Two years later, Granholm's rising star has been yanked to Earth by a lagging Michigan economy. Polls show her virtually tied with Republican challenger Dick DeVos, whose unprecedented TV ad campaign so far has cost an estimated $7 million.Meanwhile, Granholm holds her fire. Pundits say Granholm is in danger of becoming a one-term wonder.
If her celebrity has worn thin, her skills as a campaigner have not. The reelection of Michigan's first female governor will hinge on whether her charisma and power of persuasion can trump the public's deep anxiety over the state's economy. "I think we have very challenging circumstances in Michigan because of our automotive industry, and when you combine that with a very well-funded opponent, it makes a great opportunity to educate voters about our plan," Granholm said in Battle Creek last week, referring to her actions to lure new jobs to the state, upgrade education standards and put people to work repairing roads. "People in Michigan have to have an aggressive plan, and they know we didn't get here because they have a Democratic governor. We got here because of the automotive industry, because of unfair trade and old solutions that are not going to get us out."