Two Days Until the Michigan Primary

It is the Sunday before the Democratic and Republican primaries in Michigan.

* The Detroit Free Press reports that the latest poll shows Mitt Romney leading the Republican field. Romney grew up in Michigan, and his father was governor of Michigan for six years, before becoming the secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Richard Nixon.

The poll says Romney is supported by 27% of Michigan's Republicans. Running second in the poll is John McCain, with 22%. Third place belongs to Mike Huckabee, with 16%.

Respondents who cited the economy as their top concern favored Romney over McCain, 42% to 25%. Approximately the same percentages favored McCain among Republicans who cited the Iraq war as their top issue, according to the poll.

The Free Press endorsed McCain more than a week ago. The newspaper endorsed McCain over George W. Bush in 2000, and McCain won the Michigan primary that year.

The Democratic primary in Michigan is hardly a primary at all. Most Democrats agreed back in October not to participate because of a conflict over whether Iowa and New Hampshire should be allowed to be first on the calendar. As a result, two of the top three Democratic contenders -- Barack Obama and John Edwards -- will not be on the ballot.

But the Free Press says Michigan's Democrats can "send an important message" by their participation in the admittedly sparse primary, even if their choice is not on the ballot. They can't write in their choice -- if they do, their ballots will be thrown out. But they can vote for an uncommitted slate of delegates to the convention.

* The Detroit News found a virtual tie in the Republican race, with McCain holding a narrow lead over Romney, 27% to 26%. The newspaper's survey says Huckabee is "still a factor." He's in third place with 19%.

Michigan's Republicans are "waiting to be moved," writes Detroit News editorial page editor Nolan Finley. "Michigan's Republican primary is in bad need of a Misty Moment."

* According to CNN/Opinion Research Corp., whoever wins the Republican nomination has a lot of work to do. Only one Republican -- McCain -- is seen as capable of challenging either Obama or Hillary Clinton. The others are far behind both potential Democratic nominees.

The Republicans may need several "Misty Moments" in this election.