Media Report
August 8, 2012Michigan primary decided several congressional races, but three districts may be in play
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/08/michigan_primary_decided_sever.html
Shaped by two rounds of GOP-led remapping in the past decade, critics say Michigan's congressional districts are designed to keep political parties in power. As a result, primaries often end up being more important than general elections, even though fewer voters turn out. "That's the thing I think the voting public just simply doesn't understand," said Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson, a political and public policy professor at Wayne State University. "A lot of people think the real election is in November. But in most congressional districts and many state legislative districts, the real action is in August. November is just window dressing."
Shaped by two rounds of GOP-led remapping in the past decade, critics say Michigan's congressional districts are designed to keep political parties in power. As a result, primaries often end up being more important than general elections, even though fewer voters turn out. "That's the thing I think the voting public just simply doesn't understand," said Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson, a political and public policy professor at Wayne State University. "A lot of people think the real election is in November. But in most congressional districts and many state legislative districts, the real action is in August. November is just window dressing."
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