Virg Bernero lost because he pulled a "Blanchard."
Most folks will say it was the lack money. True but it goes deeper
than that.
When incumbent Governor Jim Blanchard took on challenger John
Engler, the Blanchard team was so fixated on "getting" Engler that the
savvy politician Mr. B. lost sight of one important element.
He never really looked the voters in the eyes and said, "Vote for
me because…"
Instead he spent most of his waking moments telling the voters not
to vote for Engler.
Ditto for Bernero.
He and his minions were so intent on bringing Snyder down with the
relentless attacks on his "jobs to China" and "mismanaging Gateway"
that the Lansing Mayor never stepped back and introduced himself to
the voters.
He had a great personal story to tell from his Italian immigrant
father to his impressive and successful career of public service.
Sure, he talked about that stuff but it never connected. Many Democrat
on Election Day were still asking themselves, "Who the heck is Virg
Bernero?"
No wonder so many D's stayed home.
It was anti-Snyder all the time just as it was anti-Engler all the
time when Mr. Blanchard ran.
Missing this critical point is someone's fault because it was out
there all the time.
If you talk to voters you will hear many say: "Don't give me a
reason to vote against somebody else, give me a reason to vote for you."
The Snyder squad knew that which is why they basically ignored
Bernero and banged away at who Snyder was and what he would do.
Trace his twenty point victory to that simple little fact.