Michigan turning into race for second place

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By SVEN GUSTAFSON , Of The Daily Oakland Press 02/05/2004
February 5, 2004
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10923305&BRD=982&PAG=461&dept_id=467992&rfi=6

With victories in five states Tuesday, Gov. Jennifer Granholm's endorsement in hand and a widening lead in state polls, Michigan's Democratic caucuses Saturday are shaping up as something of a wash for U.S. Sen. John Kerry, who is expected to coast to victory.

But, while the Howard Dean camp is downplaying comments the former Vermont governor made Tuesday about his chances in Michigan, U.S. Sen. John Edwards is fighting for second place and could do well in the state, according to recent polling data.

"I think the new perspective is that Edwards should not forget about Michigan and there's the possibility that, although he will not win it, by spending some time here, there's the possibility of placing second over Dean," said Ed Sarpolus, vice president of the EPIC/MRA polling firm in Lansing.

Sarpolus said recent tracking polls show that while Kerry's lead has increased, Edwards has now tied Dean for second place, indicating that the more voters see of Edwards, the more they like him, Sarpolus said.