LANSING – Governor Rick Snyder remained optimistic about the passage of Proposal 1 on Wednesday, citing a growing coalition of supporters and dismissing polls that suggest anything otherwise.

“When you look at a lot of polling, it comes down to who shows up to vote,” Snyder said at a press conference on a separate issue. “I think we’re going to have a strong turnout on May 5 in favor of this.”

Snyder’s remarks come a day after a poll found – as other polls have – lackluster support for the proposal, including division on the question of whether fixing Michigan’s roads is a matter of public safety as Snyder and the Yes campaign have insisted.

“We just need to keep up the campaign,” Snyder said Wednesday. “The indication I have is very supportive. Our coalition keeps growing.”

The governor pointed to the variety of supporters for the proposal, ranging from Democrats and Republicans to business leaders and union groups. He estimated more than 100 groups, organizations and individuals have pledged their support.

“There are new people still being added and new organizations still being added,” he said. “That shows there’s very broad support.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township), visiting Lansing during the day on a separate matter, said he is still researching the proposal and is undecided.

“I still have a little over a month before I have to vote on it,” Peters said.

He said the complexity of Proposal 15-1 and its lack of direct tie to roads is generating opposition.

“I think it’s unfortunate this is the only proposal before us,” he said. “As voters, it would have been nice to have a couple of options.”

Voters should not necessarily be considering any changes in federal taxes as they review the Michigan plan, he said.

“I think it still uncertain as to what we’re going to do with federal transportation legislation,” Peters said. “It has to be taken care of.”

While he acknowledged there is consideration of increasing the federal gas tax, he has also been working on a plan that would allow the federal government to capture taxes from companies that move headquarters overseas as a tax shelter and using those funds for transportation.

DINGELL SUPPORT: While Peters is undecided, other top Democrats continue to lend their support, the latest being former U.S. Rep. John Dingell. According to a statement from the group in support of the proposal, Dingell said Proposal 1 is appealing in part because of the three guarantees it offers to taxpayers and the fact that it was put on ballot in an “overwhelming bipartisan vote” in the Legislature.

“During my nearly six decades in Washington, I saw it become increasingly difficult for the two parties to work together to govern, to find solutions thorough bipartisan work and compromise,” Mr. Dingell said. “Proposal 1 will be decided by Michigan voters because our state’s elected leaders were able to work together to advance this solution. I’m also impressed by the new guarantees it offers Michigan taxpayers, especially the local road warranties and making sure the state gas taxes we pay go only to transportation.”

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