Labor-friendly candidates received a friendly reception from voters in Michigan on Election Day, mirroring national trends.

Although state-by-state post-election totals were not available at press time, pre-election polling showed Michigan union members supporting Barack Obama over John McCain by a 68%-23% margin. 

"Citizens across the nation clearly demanded change this week, and the loudest voices were heard right here in Michigan where we've borne the brunt of federal policies that don't stand up for working people," said Gov. Jennifer Granholm. "In Washington and Lansing, we must act now to answer that call for change by working in a bipartisan way to craft solutions that help citizens and stimulate the economy."

Michigan Democrats increased their numbers in the state House, 67-43, their biggest margin in 30 years. Republicans still control the state Senate.

Michigan voters also defeated two incumbent anti-labor Congressmen: Democrat Mark Schauer narrowly beat Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg in the 7th District seat, and Gary Peters defeated long-time incumbent Joe Knollenberg in the 9th District.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Supreme Court Justice Cliff Taylor was defeated by labor-endorsed challenger Diane Hathaway. Her win tips the balance of the state Supreme Court from 5-2 Republican to 4-3 Republican.

Michigan State AFL-CIO President, Mark Gaffney, summed up the influence of the "Labor 2008" get-out-the-vote program in our state, saying on election night: "Tonight we are witnessing big wins for labor in Michigan. Sen. Obama's win coupled with the wins of Peters, Schauer and Michigan Supreme Court candidate Diane Hathaway, is clear and convincing evidence that the labor movement in Michigan remains strong and continues to be a powerful force in Michigan elections."

Overall, more than 5 million Michiganians voted, a record number. Of those registered to vote, 68% cast a ballot, which was short of the record 73 percent mark set in 1960.