Gov. candidates reject 'Michiganian'

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Michigan's gubernatorial nominees from both parties said they will end the reign of the "Michiganian" in the state in favor of the "Michigander."

Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her two immediate predecessors, John Engler and Jim Blanchard, are among the citizens of the state who refer to themselves as Michiganians, while this year's Republican nominee, Rick Snyder, and Democratic rival Virg Bernero have both identified themselves as Michiganders, the Detroit Free Press reported Monday.

The Detroit Free Press said the word was solidified in its stylebook as "Michigander" after decades of research, some of it scientific, indicated it was the more popular choice.

One of the most famous historical uses of the term Michigander was attributed to Abraham Lincoln when speaking about a former Michigan governor prior to the Civil War.