INTEROFFICE MEMORAND UM

TO: DAN BENISHEK

BENISHEK FOR CONGRESS

FROM: MICHAEL MEYERS

SUBJECT: MI-1 ENVIRONMENT TOXIC FOR DEMOCRAT CHANCES

DATE: 9/8/2010

At your request, TargetPoint Consulting conducted a survey of likely voters in Michigan’s 1st
Congressional District. We conducted 406 telephone interviews (300 across the entire district with
an oversampling in key areas). A random sample of this type is likely to yield a margin of error of
+/- 5.7% in 95 out of 100 cases. The surveys were conducted August 31 – September 2, 2010.

The results from the survey are compelling. The First District appears to be slipping away from the
Democrats and your chances of victory have improved greatly over the summer as national trends
are fully manifesting themselves in this district. The political environment facing our Democratic
opponent has turned toxic.

 Perhaps the most important single data point is the fact that 67% of the voters’ would prefer
a congressman who will act as a check and a balance on the Obama/Pelosi agenda. Less
than one-quarter of the district wants a congressman who will help implement that agenda.
 Nearly as strong is their desire for an outsider to go to Washington and represent their
beliefs. By a two-to-one margin, 56%-28%, voters prefer a congressman who comes from
outside government and politics as opposed to a candidate who has experience as a state
legislator in Lansing.
 Democratic leadership approval ratings are also abysmal – 59% disapprove of the way
President Obama is handling his job (45% strongly disapprove) and Speaker Pelosi has a
60% unfavorable rating with only 25% responding favorably.

This environment, coupled with your strong campaign to date, has made you the clear choice among
the district’s voters. In both a two-way and a more crowded four way contest, you have strong leads
heading into the final two months of the campaign:

Two-Way Congressional Ballot Four-Way Congressional Ballot

Dan Benishek 54% Dan Benishek 39%

Gary McDowall 31% Gary McDowall 25%
Undecided 14% Lonnie Lee Snyder* 11
Glenn Wilson 6
*Snyder has since been removed from ballot by the Michigan Supreme Court
You currently lead in each of the four measurable media markets (Alpena, Flint, Marquette and
Traverse City) and have a significant advantage on overall name ID and perceptions. While you
should expect this race to tighten as McDowell and his interest group supporters begin airing first
television ads, their job is made very difficult because the Democratic party currently stands on the
wrong side of three key issues in the district.

Spending

56% of voters think we must cut federal spending in order to get our deficits under
control. Otherwise we are going to be facing big tax increases, which will hurt job
creation and force our children and grandchildren to pay out for wasteful spending

ObamaCare

45% of voters feel the healthcare law needs to be repealed and replaced with new reforms
that would include more free market principles and fewer restrictions on individuals
and businesses.

New Energy Taxes

53% of the voters are EXTREMELY angry about Efforts in Washington to create a cap
and trade energy scheme that would raise energy costs for everyone in Northern
Michigan

It is fair to say that, at this stage, Gary McDowell’s support is limited only to base Democrat voters.
However, given the lack of awareness that McDowell enjoys, we should expect that to change, if and
when he begins running any kind of pro-McDowell advertising.

You need to spend the final two months of the election season continuing to spread your campaign’s
messages, especially your signature issues of the 4 R’s - Read it, Reduce It, Repeal It, Reform It.
Strong majorities are already responding to this message and as they learn more about your agenda
and the record of your opponent, you can expect these positive outcomes to continue.

Additionally, pointing out your opponents long history of supporting higher taxes, increased
spending and his inability to stand up against his party and for his constituents will be a key part of
our winning efforts.