Michigan Governor Election 2010: Democrat Cherry Trails Three GOP Hopefuls, Cox, Hoekstra & Bouchard

How bad are Democrats chances in 2010? When a Democrat trails in a governors race in Democrat state like Michigan, it is time to really take notice.

In the reliable Democratic strong hold and Blue state of Michigan, Democrat Lieutenant Governor John Cherry faces an uphill battle and presently trails all three Republican challengers, Congressman Peter Hoekstra, Attorney General Mike Cox and Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely Michigan voters finds Cherry, the top Democrat in the race, trailing two of his potential GOP rivals by double digits and a third by five points.

Congressman Peter Hoekstra is the strongest Republican hopeful at this juncture, beating Cherry by 14 points – 46% to 32%. Six percent (6%) prefer another candidate, and 16% are undecided.

In a match-up with Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Cherry is the loser 42% to 32%. Again, six percent (6%) like someone else in the race. Undecideds rise to 20%.

The race is slightly closer when the lieutenant governor is pitted against state Attorney General Mike Cox. In that match-up, Cox wins 39% to 34%. Nine percent (9%) favor some other candidate, and 17% are not sure whom they’ll vote for.

Could the Republican trend of picking up governorships continue like in New Jersey and Virginia in 2009? The 2010 midterm elections are going to get real ugly for Democrats. Normally some seats are lost by the Presidential incumbent party; however, this is setting up to be unprecedented.