Economic issues took front and center in the campaign, as Michigan's unemployment rate was one of the highest in the nation.

In July 2006, unemployment in Michigan stood at approximately 7%, compared with a 4.7% rate nationwide.

Pessimism about the state's economic future had left Michigan ranked 49th nationally between 2000 and 2005 in retaining young adults.

Stabenow did well throughout Michigan, but performed better in heavily populated cities like Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Kalamazoo.

However Bouchard failed to put a dent in Stabenow's lead, largely due to her strong performance in heavily populated areas.