In addition to having a fairly large libertarian-leaning contingent (especially in rural areas), people in Michigan tend to associate personal vehicles with "freedom" at a level probably unmatched anywhere in the country (if not the world).
Michigan is unusually conservative/libertarian. Its a shame children, the elderly, and those with lung conditions pay for this misguided philosophy with their health.
Reality is that it is a Democratic leaning state that hasn't gone Republican in a presidential election since 1988. All the Republican governors in my lifetime have been moderates with the possible exception of Engler who was elected on Reagan's coattails.
