Carly Fiorina barely made it off the ferry dock at Mackinac Island.<br />She was greeted by hundreds of supporters at the Michigan Republican Leadership Conference who roared a welcome as she arrived, holding bright red "Carly" signs and chanting her name.<br />Fiorina's stock has been steadily rising since the first GOP debate last month, when she appeared in the early, undercard event.<br />Her performance there caused an immediate ascent in the polls, earning her a spot in the prime-time, top-tier slot in the most recent debate.<br />Despite some doubt that she might fade in the presence of the top talent, Fiorina shone through again, landing blows on Donald Trump and Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.<br />As Fiorina arrived, she spoke with confidence about her rise in the race.<br />"I feel really encouraged, because what we know is that when people get to know me, and they hear who I am and what I believe and what I'll do, they tend to support me," Fiorina told reporters.
