STRAW POLL LOSSES

Who knows the value of straw polls conducted at political party gatherings, but in the case of Congressman John James they may well illustrate the GOP division over his unorthodox run for governor in 2026. James, who has missed a number of party-sponsored get-togethers, most recently lost a straw poll of 98 party members when Leelanau County Republicans met. Aric Nesbitt took 41 votes; Tom Leonard, 30; and Mike Cox, 23 votes. John James? He only got two votes, while “none of the above” got five votes. James lost a similar straw poll at the GOP Mackinac Island Conference this year and a straw poll at the 9th congressional district in September.