June 26, 2012

Pestka Holds Commanding Lead in MI-3 Primary

Better Known and Liked Than Thomas
To:
Interested Parties

From: Andrew Baumann, Vice President, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research

In the Democratic primary race in Michigans Third Congressional District, Steve Pestka holds a commanding 39 to 15 percent lead over Trevor Thomas, with 46 percent of voters undecided.1 This 24-point lead represents a greater than 2.5-to-1 ratio in Pestkas favor. Neither candidate is widely known, but Pestka, a small business-owner and former judge, prosecutor, and state legislator from the Grand Rapids area, is known by 46 percent of voters and has an impressive 24 to 11 percent favorable/unfavorable ratio. Thomas, a political activist who moved back to the area to run for Congress, can be identified by just 26 percent of voters, and holds a lukewarm 9 to 6 percent favorable/unfavorable ratio. Steve Pestka starts this race with an imposing lead over Trevor Thomas, and is in a strong position to win this primary by a significant margin. Our previous general election polling also shows that Pestka is well-positioned to compete with, and eventually defeat, Republican Congressman Justin Amash in November.2 This memo is based on a survey of 400 likely primary voters in Michigans Third Congressional District conducted June 20-24.

These results are based on an un-informed ballots test asked without any information given about the two candidates. 2 Poll of 400 likely general election voters conducted February 13-15. Memo on the general election poll available upon request.
2012 Greenberg Quinlan Rosner, All Rights Reserved. June, 2012