Ground assault vs. air attack: Battle lines for (D)em Day

In the weeks before the Aug. 3 Democratic primary, the battle lines are becoming clearer in the gubernatorial race between Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and House Speaker Andy Dillon.

It appears that Dillon is utilizing a statewide TV ad campaign, while Bernero, who may be more cash-strapped, will be relying heavily on a ground assault by United Auto Worker members to knock on doors and hand out literature.

"Rest assured we'll get our message out,” Bernero told reporters in Wixom after their final debate Monday. “You'll be hearing plenty from us.”

A political consultant told the Detroit News that Bernero may see some success in this approach if voter turnout is low and union members come out strong for him.

But without TV ads, another expert said, Bernero is “dead in the water.”