The backlash against Richardson’s comments shows the important role the Great Lakes could play in the 2008 election for Michigan voters, said William Rustem, president of Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants Inc.

“I think people understand our future is tied to our water,” Rustem said. “We need to build our future on this water.”

Bill Ballenger, editor and publisher of Inside Michigan Politics, said he thinks the Great Lakes will play a smaller role in voters’ minds than issues such as economic growth. The lakes, however, are a sensitive issue and comments like Richardson’s could hurt his standing among some Michigan voters, Ballenger said.

“It transcends party and each … candidate has to be very careful about it,” Ballenger said.

Tom Choske, president of Spartans for Richardson, said the candidate comes from a state where lack of water is a pressing issue, and he may not have realized the importance of the lakes to some Michigan residents.

“He has to adjust to the idea that states such as Michigan will react strongly to those statements,” the international relations senior said. “The statement didn’t mean he’s anti-environment. It means he wants to improve the lives of citizens.”

Hugh McDiarmid, spokesman for the Michigan Environmental Council, said Richardson’s comments show the Great Lakes are at risk of water withdrawal.

To change that, McDiarmid said the state Legislature needs to pass the Great Lakes Compact.

The compact, which also needs federal approval, would grant Great Lakes states control of the bodies of water.

“People are more and more aware the Great Lakes are integral for our way of life and our economy,” McDiarmid said.

That includes tourism and Michigan industries that use the resources, McDiarmid said.

“It’s a national treasure like the Grand Canyon and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,” he said.