I took note of it. With about 40 percent of likely primary voters undecided, the Aug. 4 Democratic primary is very much up in the air. Pollster Ed Sarpolus of EPIC-MRA suggested that just because many people know about Fieger doesn't mean they like him or think he's suited to be governor. Ross does better than his opponents with women and senior citizens, Sarpolus said. In all three cases, a substantial balance of voters remained undecided.
Analysts say that, at least so far, the Democratic contenders differ more by style than substance.
Even in this style-heavy campaign, Bill Ballenger, editor of the newsletter Inside Michigan Politics, criticizes Fieger. It's apparent to me that even though they are all pretty much reading from the same page, and they're all pretty much mainstream Democrats, Fieger just knows so much less about the issues than Owen or Ross. Doug is a team-player. Fieger's bid also is a reflection of the changing nature of political parties in general. Today's less commanding parties make for weaker candidates among the regulars and create a perfect stage for a flamboyant outsider.