DETROIT, MI -- A majority of Detroit voters oppose

the state takeover of city government

, though there is a large segment of the population that supports the move, according to a Marketing Resource Group-Inside Michigan Politics survey.

Poll results showed that 59 percent of likely Detroit voters either strongly oppose or somewhat oppose Gov. Rick Snyder's appointment of Emergency Financial Manager Kevin Orr, while 41 percent strongly or somewhat support it.

Tom Shields, president of Marketing Resource Group, said the results could mean more inner-city votes for Snyder if Orr succeeds in turning around Detroit's troubled finances.

"In 2010, Snyder received just over 5 percent of the vote in the city of Detroit," Shields said. "With 41 percent of city residents supporting the appointment of an EFM, if Kevyn Orr can produce some positive results prior to the next election it could translate into votes in a city where Republican voters have almost become extinct.”

In Detroit's suburbs and statewide, results showed overwhelming support for the appointment.

Metro Detroit respondents supported the move by a margin of 71-23 percent. In Wayne County, 74 percent were supporters. In Oakland County - 78 percent.

Statewide, 67 percent support the move, including 53 percent who "strongly support" it, compared to 26 percent who oppose the appointment, 19 percent strongly, according to the poll, which was was conducted by telephone between March 17 and March 23.

The survey used a sample of 600 likely November voters, with a 4-percent margin of error.

Here's a look at how the question presented to respondents was worded:

"Last week, Governor Snyder appointed an Emergency Financial Manager to try to balance Detroit's books and bring the city out of a financial crisis. Emergency Managers have sweeping powers to overrule the mayor and city council, as well as unilaterally amend or cancel city employee union contracts. Detroit unions and city elected officials fear the State will privatize city public services, eliminate public sector jobs and usurp local authority. State officials say that an Emergency Manager is required because the city has implemented few reforms and is reluctant to take necessary steps to bring its finances under control. Do you support or oppose an Emergency Financial Manager for the city of Detroit? (IF FAVOR/OPPOSE ASK: Do you strongly (support/oppose) it or just somewhat (support/oppose) it?)"

Follow Khalil AlHajal on Twitter @DetroitKhalil or on Facebook at Detroit Khalil. He can be reached at kalhajal@mlive.com or 313-643-0527.