Blue Mitten Survey: Ryan’s Nomination a Gift to Democrats

Democratic Michigan insiders said Mitt Romney gave them a gift by selecting as his vice presidential nominee: that’s the finding of this week’s Blue Mitten survey of influential Democrats.

Thirty-one Democrats from the southeastern Michigan area were asked using an automated survey tool what they thought about Romney’s selection of Ryan as his GOP running mate.

Twenty responses were collected.

“Christmas in August for Democrats!” one respondent said.

Indeed, 19 of the 20 respondents said they strongly agree or somewhat agree that "will galvanize Michigan Democrats in the November election".

“This will wake up the Dem who might not have been involved,” one respondent said.

“The two tickets now provide a clear choice of governing philosophy—either we are a society that benefits the wealthy with tax breaks and deregulation, or we are a society where government exists to support the whole society—including the poor, the elderly, the students, and middle class families,” another Democratic influencer said.

All 20 respondents also said they strongly agree or somewhat agree that Michigan Democrats can win by running against Ryan’s existing budget plans and his proposal for Medicare.

“It will greatly help Obama with senior and soon-to-be senior voters,” one influencer said. “Obama lost over-65 voters by 8% in 2008.”

“I hope seniors take a very close look at the plan and not be fooled,” another respondent said.

While the respondents believed Ryan will bring Michigan Democrats together, many also thought the Wisconsin Congressman will .

Nine respondents said they somewhat agree that Ryan "will galvanize Michigan Republicans" and another four said they strongly agree.

Ryan “satisfies the conservative base that may have otherwise been suspicious of Romney given his moderate track record as Governor of Massachusetts,” one respondent said.

Another said he will appeal to Tea Party members, and others pointed to his youth as an asset.

One said Ryan is a good choice by making a comparison to the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee: “He isn't Sarah Palin.”

But five Democratic influencers were neutral and another two said they somewhat disagree that Ryan" will galvanize Michigan Republicans". One respondent said Ryan will not help with moderate members of the GOP.

“It shows Romney has given up on the independent voters and is concentrating on his base, another influencer said. “It is a sign of his weakness, not a sign of strength.”

“They have lost Michigan with this choice,” said another, “and probably the election.”

The Blue Mitten Survey

Our surveys are not a scientific random sample of any larger population but rather an effort to listen to a swath of influential local Democratic activists, party leaders and elected officials in Michigan. All of these individuals have agreed to participate in the surveys, although not all responded to this week's questions. Surveys were conducted between Aug. 13 and Aug. 17, 2012.

Patch will be conducting Red Mitten and Blue Mitten surveys throughout 2012 in hopes of determining the true sentiment of Republicans and Democrats on the ground in Michigan. If you are an activist, party leader or elected official and would like to take part in weekly surveys that lasts just a few minutes, please email Associate Regional Editor John Hetzler at john.hetzler@patch.com.

Blue Mitten roster: Vicki Barnett, State House Rep; Joanne Braund, Secretary, Royal Oak Area Democratic Club; Rose Christoph; Dorian Coston, candidate for State Rep;Colleen Crossey, Oakland County Democratic Delegate; Gary Cynowa, President of the North Macomb Democratic Club and District 10 Precinct Delegate; Susan Czarnecki; Judy Daubenmier, chair of Livingston County Democrats; Shawn Desai, Democratic Candidate for State Representative 47th District; Gretchen Driskell, Mayor of Saline; Gene Farber, West Bloomfield Township Board Trustee; Marcia Gershenson, Oakland County commissioner; Fred Hoffman; Mitzi Hoffman, former Chair, Royal Oak Area Democratic Club; Marilyn Krok, Oakland County Democratic Delegate; Kathi Kuehnel, Oakland County Democratic Delegate; Carmella Langley, Oakland County Democratic Delegate; Erik Lindquist; Deb Lobring; Jeff Long; Daniel Marcin, candidate for U.S. Representative; Gwen Markham, candidate for Oakland County commissioner; Richard Miller, president of the Wyandotte Democratic Club; Jim Nash, Oakland County commissioner; Kevin Shopshire, member of Livingston County Democrats; Mike Smith, candidate for White Lake Township Supervisor; Walt Sobczak, Oakland County Democratic Delegate; Mark Steckloff; Regina Strong, candidate for State Rep; Scott Warheit, Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council, and 2011 candidate for Royal Oak City Comission; Karen Zyczynski, Oakland County Democratic Delegate