Participants in online focus groups last week voiced their concerns about the state’s economic growth strategy. These swing voters were particularly worried about the direction it was heading in.
Why it matters: The 14 voters had no knowledge about the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund (SOAR), a multibillion-dollar fund in the state. This fund is designed to provide subsidies for large manufacturing projects, aiming to entice major companies to establish their presence in Michigan.
Axios had the opportunity to observe two Engagious/Sago online focus groups last week, where 14 Michiganders who voted for former President Trump in 2016 and President Biden in 2020 shared their perspectives.
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- Eight are independents and six are Republicans. Most are from cities across Metro Detroit and two are from Holland and Jackson.
- These focus groups aren’t statistically significant samples like a poll, but the responses show how voters feel about current events.
“I believe that the more than $2 billion poured into the attraction fund should be directed towards small businesses,” expressed Dennis B. of Jackson. Similarly, Jerome B. of Clinton Township suggests that instead of investing in the electric car market, the state should focus on attracting new industries and diversifying manufacturing.”
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- Most respondents said they did not support General Motors’ plan to use the fund to expand an Orion Township plant, build an electric battery manufacturing facility in Lansing and make upgrades to two other Lansing-area plants.
- “If GM wants to go all electric, they’ll be out of business by 2035,” Steve K. of Sterling Heights said.
Michigan is making efforts to establish itself as an Electric Vehicle (EV) hub, but it has sought assistance from Chinese battery companies to accomplish this goal. However, these companies face challenges from skeptical residents and local Republican lawmakers.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer received mixed reactions from independent and right-leaning voters regarding her potential presidential candidacy. While focus groups consisting of Democrats expressed support for her running in 2028, some voters from other political affiliations were not as enthusiastic.
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- “I think that she is a really great individual to try and bridge the gap between the two sides that are so far apart. I think her being younger definitely helps,” said Matt J. of Warren when asked whether he would like to see her run for president.
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