Michigan voters will get their last chance Oct. 15 to see Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican U.S. Rep. John James go head to head in their second and final scheduled debate as each seeks to become the state's next governor.
With just under three weeks to go, Benson has held the polling and fundraising edge over James, a Shelby Township Republican.
Absentee voting already is underway and early voting runs from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1. And in the final stretch of the race, the Republican Governors Association has significantly pulled back its spending in support of James, according to an analysis of AdImpact data by Michigan Information & Research Service Inc., leaving Benson to dominate the airwaves.
"Frankly, people have
tuned out these divisive ads," James told reporters at an Oct. 12 news conference. "We are using a grassroots approach, and I'm confident that that approach is what resonates with people," he said. The Republican Governors Association did not respond to a request for comment.
Benson has focused on James' record in Washington, D.C., arguing he has supported President Donald Trump's agenda, which she blames for raising costs from the grocery store to the fuel pump. She has cast James as a rubber stamp for the president and attacked him frequently on that point during their first debate Oct. 6.
But James has countered that he is his own man and has pushed back against Trump, and would put Michigan's interests first if elected governor. He has described the Democratic ticket as "crazy," with frequent criticisms of the Democrats' pick for U.S. Senate Abdul El-Sayed, a populist and progressive who would mark a break from the more moderate politicians that previously have represented Michigan in the chamber.
While the U.S. Senate race between El-Sayed and former Congressman Mike Rogers of White Lake Township has garnered the most attention in battleground Michigan, the next governor will play a key role improving everyday life for Michiganders. Benson and James have outlined contrasting visions for education, tax policy and more.
How to watch Michigan governor's race debate
The debate will take place 8 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.It can be watched live on WDIV-Local 4 and via streaming on Local 4+ and ClickOnDetroit.com.
Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Benson, James to face off one more time for debate ahead of election
