GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Protesters greeted some big name Republicans as they converged on Kent County Wednesday for the GOP Lincoln Day dinner.
Gov. Rick Snyder and U.S. Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land were the headliners at the 127th annual fundraiser at DeVos Place and while they were among friends, they both stressed the importance of the general election in November.
“What this is all about tonight and all about over the next couple months is November,” Snyder told the gathering. “In November, there’s a decision that Michiganders have to make and that decision is, are we saying the reinvention is done? Are we gonna be complacent and content with what’s gotten done?”
According to Real Clear Politics, a Chicago-based polling aggregator Snyder leads his opponent Mark Schauer by one point.
Just over two months ago, Snyder held a nearly eight-point lead, but since then, it’s been dwindling.
“We have to get the job done,” Snyder said. “We have to get involved. We have to get active. Many of you have been active volunteers for years, but what I’ll tell you is, is just saying we’re going through the motions is not good enough.”
In the race for Michigan’s soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat it’s a bit of a different story as former Secretary of State Land has been playing catch up.
But her critics, and critics of the governor, say they want to hear more from the candidates.
“As far as Terri Lynn Land goes, and the governor, as well, if they believe that what they are doing and what they are offering in running for office is truly gonna benefit the people of Michigan, then why won’t they come out and talk to the voters?” asked Traci Kornak, the Third Congressional District Democratic party chair. “Why won’t they debate?”
FOX 17 asked Land if voters should expect a debate with Rep. Peters.
“Congressman Peters and I have shared the stage a couple times,” explained Land. “We've been at Small Business Association, chamber events, (I’m) always willing to talk to voters, always willing to answer the questions the voters have.”
Peters for Michigan communications director Haley Morris sent the following statement to FOX 17:
This is exactly why Michiganders are frustrated. They deserve to hear from both candidates on the issues. The question remains - what does Terri Lynn Land have to hide by refusing to debate? It's no wonder then that Terri Lynn Land is willing to potentially break the law to funnel millions of her own money to buy this U.S. Senate seat. Land would rather hide behind TV ads than have to defend her anti-middle class agenda will erase decades of progress for women put the Great Lakes at risk.
Over the past two months, Peters has seen his nearly six-point lead cut in half.
Just 62 days remain before the general elections on Nov. 4.
