Poll: Snyder maintains 20-point lead

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - With just weeks to go before the election, Republican Rick Snyder holds a 20-point lead over Democrat Virg Bernero in the race to become Michigan's next governor.

A poll conducted by EPIC-MRA for WOOD TV8 and our broadcast partners showed 49% of respondents chose Snyder as their choice to replace Jennifer Granholm. Bernero was named by 29% of those polled.

Only 4% said they are leaning toward a third-party candidate.

Both Snyder and Bernero have solid support among those who say they've made up their minds -- 72% are solidly behind Snyder, 70% behind Bernero.

Improving Michigan's economy and creating jobs is the most important issue, said 58% of those polled. A distant second at 12% was improving education and funding for public schools.

Self-identification is a much closer statistic. Regarding the Tea Party, 44% support the movement, 35% oppose it. On the abortion issue, 47% are pro-choice, 48% pro-life. And 35% describe themselves as Democrats, with 39% as Republicans -- though 18% are liberal, 33% moderate and 42% conservative.

The survey of 600 likely voters was conducted between October 3-7, 2010, with a 4% margin of error.