LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline)-Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox is the clear frontrunner in the race for governor, a poll indicates.

Cox, a Republican, is vying to succeed Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection.

In the race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Cox leads U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra 32 percent to 25 percent, an EPIC-MRA poll conducted Jan. 24-26 indicates.

The poll also shows Cox taking Democrats in the general election. In hypothetical matchups, Cox beat University of Michigan Regent Denise Ilitch 48 percent to 30 percent with 22 percent undecided. He led House Speaker Andy Dillon 47 percent to 30 percent with 23 percent undecided.

In the race for the Democratic nomination, 23 percent of Democrats said they would support Ilitch, while 18 percent said they would throw their support behind U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak. U.S. Rep. Gary Peters had 9 percent, while Dillon received 9 percent.

The poll's margin of error for the primary races is 4.9 points. The margin of error for the general election is 4 points.

In terms of fundraising, Republican Rick Snyder, who polled at only 3 percent, and Cox lead the pack, according to reports filed Monday with the secretary of state's office.

Snyder reported that he collected $3.2 million, including $2.6 million he gave his campaign. He had $1.4 million in cash-on-hand at the end of December. Meanwhile, Cox reportedly raised $1.8 million, with nearly $1.5 million in the bank.

Cox, then a political newcomer, was elected attorney general in 2002, beating out Democrat Gary Peters. He became the first Republican state attorney general in nearly 50 years. In 2006, he won re-election.

From Legal Newsline: Reach staff reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.