Here They Come: Candidates Head For Michigan, Economy In The Forefront
And now, it’s Michigan’s turn.
The political spotlight, which many people thought might have been flipped off by now, is about to shine brightly on the state as its Republican presidential primary approaches on Feb. 28.
People in the state can expect to bump into a candidate on a regular basis, whether in television ads, on local news programs, or in person.
The highest-profile appearance thus far is set to be Mitt Romney’s address to the Economic Club of Detroit on Feb. 24. Rick Santorum, who scored three wins on Tuesday, is expected at a fundraising event in Novi next week. There’s no word yet on whether Newt Gingrich or Ron Paul will be be in the state.
No matter the candidate, Michigan’s economy is likely to be front and center, and with it, discussion of the bailout for General Motors and Chrysler.
Romney, who won Michigan’s Republican primary in 2008, might normally be expected to take the state in a runaway. After all, he was born in Detroit, is the son of a Michigan governor, and grew up in a northern suburb.
But he has been under scrutiny for his opposition to the Obama Administration’s managed bankruptcies at General Motors and Chrysler.
He has said he preferred that the pair go through a conventional Chapter 11 process, which could have taken years longer than the quick restructuring that both companies experienced.
Our partner Michigan Radio will be covering the most news-worthy aspects of the candidates’ visits. Be sure to check out their reports.