Are Midwest Voters Choosing ‘Safe’ Candidates?

Many experts say 2018 will be a “change” election with a slew of new, outside-the-box candidates. But one political observer says voters in the Midwest are leaning towards traditional politicians. The reasons why could help dictate the 2020 presidential race.

Jake Neher/WDET

The major party candidates running for governor of Michigan are offering voters a diverse mix of choices.

Republican nominee Bill Schuette has former state lawmaker Lisa Lyons as his running mate.

Democratic nominee Gretchen Whitmer’s choice is political activist Garlin Gilchrist, the only African American in the group.

But the nominees themselves are established politicians.

 

And some political observers say that’s a uniquely-Midwestern trend in this election cycle.

A national political correspondent for the news outlet “Politico,” David Siders, tells WDET’s Quinn Klinefelter voters in states like Michigan are leaning towards so-called “safe” candidates.

 

Click on the audio link above to hear the full interview

Author

  • Quinn Klinefelter is a Senior News Editor at 101.9 WDET. In 1996, he was literally on top of the news when he interviewed then-Senator Bob Dole about his presidential campaign and stepped on his feet.