Fresh from an August 8 Senate primary election that he won more handily than expected, Republican Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard is now just five points shy of the level of support attracted by Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow. Stabenow leads 49% to 44% (see crosstabs).

Like other GOP contenders in Michigan, for most of the year Bouchard lagged behind the incumbent by double digits. And the Senator, by maintaining at least a 50% level of support, had seemed to enjoy at least marginally greater job security than the Governor. Senator Stabenow's lead did decline as the year progressed, but not drastically until now.

Today, however, the Senate race mirrors the Governor's race in the Rasmussen Reports election poll, including a close contest among unaffiliated voters as well as voters generally. It looks like the state’s troubled economy may be as much of an albatross for Stabenow as for the state's chief executive.

Close to half of Michigan voters call the economy their top election issue.

Still, it will take another poll to determine whether Bouchard has truly closed the gap or is merely enjoying a temporary bounce from his Primary Election victory.

In the Governor's race, GOP challenger Dick DeVos has been the presumptive nominee all year. Early on, he poured much of his own money into his campaign, and so is unknown to few. Sheriff Bouchard, on the other hand, has been struggling financially and reportedly even took out a new mortgage on his house. But having won the nomination he can now expect a more vigorous flow of cash.

Seventy-eight percent (78%) of Michigan voters say a photo ID should be required to vote. Two thirds say ballots should be printed in English only.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.