I checked in with my best Michigan guy on how he reads Lt. Gov. John Cherry’s decision to drop out of the governor’s race in that state:

I think it’s too soon to tell what this means for the general election. But the Democrats are in for a few really hard months.
The leading candidate would have to be the state speaker of the house, Andy Dillon. But Labor really hates him, which is obviously not a great thing when you’re a Democrat. But the business community really likes him, and he’s a pro-life Catholic from the Detroit suburbs, where there are a lot of pro-life Catholics.
Most of labor will line up behind Virg Bernaro, the Mayor of Lansing, best known as the angriest mayor in America for his pro-auto-industry rants on Fox News when it looks like the Big Three would all fold. But he’s unknown outside of mid-Michigan.
Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith is a former state senator, african american, female, very left-wing. Emily’s List will probably engage. She’s campaigning on the need for a massive tax increase to fund state government. Ardently pro-choice, from Ann Arbor, “progressives” could fall in love with her.
The best path to victory for any of these guys is to spend from now til the August primary trashing the current administration, and each other. Then . . . come together as a happy family and unite for a big turnout? My Magic 8 ball says “not very likely.”

I’d note that there should be at least five good competitive House races in Michigan; I wonder how they’ll be influenced by the top of the ticket . . .