Rep. Tim Walberg (R) had a significant lead over state Sen. Mark Schauer (D) in the latest poll sponsored by The Detroit News.

When voters had no other information than the candidates’ names and party affiliations, Walberg led Schauer 51 percent to 40 percent.

“It’s not surprising that this poll shows Rep. Walberg up by double digits given the fact that he has spent the past year working to meet the needs of the people of Michigan’s 7th Congressional district,” said National Republican Congressional Committee Spokeswoman Julie Shutley. “This gap will continue to widen when the voters learn that Schauer has been spending his time in the state Legislature raising their taxes and stifling Michigan’s economy.”

But after an informed ballot test, the race essentially was tied. The survey polled 400 voters Feb. 27-March 2 and had a margin of error of 4.9 points.

“Creating jobs for Michigan has not been a priority for Washington in a long time,” Schauer said in a statement. “The people are ready for a change and deserve someone who will stand up for them, not special interests.”

In a boost to Walberg’s re-election efforts, ex-Rep. Joe Schwarz (R), whom Walberg ousted in the 2006 GOP primary, told a local news service last week that he is not going to run for his old seat. Schwarz publicly had considered running for his old seat as either an Independent or against Walberg in the GOP primary.

Walberg only garnered 50 percent of the vote against poorly funded organic farmer Sharon Renier (D) in 2006, giving Democrats hope that a stronger recruit like Schauer could put the seat in their column.
— Shira Toeplitz