Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero is making a push to energize his political base as the general election nears. Polls show republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder around 20 points ahead of his competitor with less than a week before the election. That hasn't stopped Democrat Virg Bernero's enthusiasm. The Lansing Mayor peppered West Michigan with 7 campaign stops Wednesday - including Battle Creek, Muskegon and Grand Rapids.
Jonathan Jelks is with the group that brought Bernero to meet with young people in Grand Rapids. He admits that group seems less likely to head to the polls Tuesday. "I mean when you talk about November 2nd there's definitely going to be some challenges. But I think people recognize that voting has to become a way of life and no longer can it just be something that we do every four years," Jelks said.
Bernero reminded the supportive crowd that the election is not over and he's not giving up hope. He asked them not to believe everything the polls and pundits say about his chances. "My opponent is already measuring the curtains in the governor's office. I don't believe this election is over. They want you to believe that," Bernero said.
Bernero told them if they show up Tuesday they can change the future of the state.
Veta Tucker believes him. She lives in Grand Rapids and is worried her friends and neighbors are not all that excited about voting this time. "People are exasperated because they haven't gotten - I mean they've gone backwards instead of making progress. So even though we don't feel like voting we still have to vote." Tucker says she'll be pushing that message throughout the weekend.
