Governor's approval rating peaks at 67 percent in April. Rejects gambling casinos for Detroit and other communities. Engler's national political star rises with his involvement in federal welfare reform. He's vetted by GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole's campaign for running mate consideration. Reports surface that weight problems kept him from serving in the military during college.
Voters approve three casinos for Detroit.
After reneging on a pledge not to seek a third term, Engler wins re-election in a landslide against surprise Democratic nominee, brash Southfield attorney Geoffrey Fieger. Gets legislative approval to build two prisons and expand four others. Legislature approves Engler's plan to remove elected Detroit school board and replace it with a reform board. Engler helps to organize Republican governors to back Texas Gov. George W. Bush for the Republican presidential nomination. The number of serious crimes in Michigan drops 7 percent, and marks the 8th consecutive year Michigan sees a decline in murder, rapes, robberies and other serious crimes.