This poll is a bit off it seems:
Stabenow has a big lead among the crucial segment of voters who don't identify with either the Republican or Democratic parties. Among independents, Stabenow led Hoekstra 51%-30%.
http://www.freep.com/article/20111119/NEWS06/111190433/U-S-Sen-Debbie-Stabenow-leads-likely-Republican-rivals-pollThis poll is also 38% DEM, 38% GOP.
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/political/poll%3A-romney-leads-michigan-gop.-gingrich-moving-up#It's very hard to believe that next year, Republicans and Democrats will turn out in same numbers in Michigan.
According to the 2006 Exit Poll, Stabenow won Independents also by 21 points, yet overall she won the race by 16 points.