DETROIT - Some time in the past month, the Michigan gubernatorial race took a turn. The incumbent, Democrat Jennifer Granholm, went from a slim lead over her opponent, Republican Dick DeVos, to a fairly substantial 8-point or 9-point gap.

The race is by no means over, but something pushed voters toward Ms. Granholm. As they do in many elections, voters on the fence fell one way. Why? Well, that's always the question.

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