The Bosom of Abraham: How the junior senator fares in Michigan - Senator Spencer Abraham

National Review, Sept 25, 2000 by John J. Miller

This attention to the political concerns of ordinary Michigan voters may be the key to Abraham's comeback. New polls show him inching away from Stabenow; on August 29, the Detroit News had him ahead, 43 percent to 34 percent. That's still too many uncommitted voters for comfort, but the improvement in recent weeks has energized his supporters.

Win or lose, the lesson for conservatives is that it's important to keep paying close attention to local matters, even when one is developing a national reputation as a party leader. In the meantime, Abraham can only hope his candidacy chugs forward, toward a slim margin of victory in the wee hours of November 8-which, finally, ought to bring his supporters to their feet.