ECONOMY is still key. Social issues are also key.
Barring a Geoff Fieger candidate, the dems won the dem areas and will continue to do so. The GOP will win the GOP areas. I don't see Republicans winning Wayne County, Washtenaw County or Genesee County anytime soon. I don't see Democrats winning Ottawa County, Kent County, or Livingston County either.
As for Swing areas, Granholm won big with the state employees. She won the more cultural liberal areas like Central Oakland County, and Meridian Township out in the Lansing area. Posthumus overperformed in union areas and cultural conservative areas, particulary Macomb and Monroe county.
For the state rep races, there were little coattails. The dems won the dem areas, the GOP won the GOP areas, and the best organized and well known candidates USUALLY won the swing areas.
Security is an issue, but one of many. If Joe Sixpack is laid off, what's going to be a bigger concern?