Michigan Votes Today

This is Scholastic Kid News Reporter Kayla Gough, reporting on the campaign trail from Michigan.

Michigan voters go to the polls today. The election has brought together two favorite Michigan pastimes: politics and the annual auto show. While new cars at the show compete for attention, the hot political race is between Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. There are certainly other names on Michigan’s ballot, but either McCain or Romney is expected to win most of the state’s Republican delegates.

Former Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Lieberman, now an Independent Senator from Connecticut, announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that he is supporting Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

“I’m supporting Senator McCain as a Republican simply because I think of all the candidates in both major parties, he’s the one who can be the best President of the United States,” Lieberman told me. “And while parties are important, ultimately what’s more important is our country, and I think for America, John McCain will be the best President. I hope that people in all parties will come to that conclusion.”

“The people of Michigan are hurting,” McCain said. If elected President, he explained that he would work more with auto industry leaders and workers to come up with ways to improve the industry. He announced that instead of bringing back old jobs, he would work to create new kinds of jobs.

Job loss was also on Romney’s mind. “I’m convinced that the future of this industry is bright; it’s gone through some tough times, but the idea that somehow the American automobile industry is in trouble or declining is simply wrong,” he said. “This is an industry that can grow.” Romney was also at the auto show in Detroit on Monday, as was Republican candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

On Tuesday, voters in Michigan will decide which Republican candidate they think can bring Michigan out of its economic troubles and, at the same time, help America.

If McCain can win here, he would gain momentum and financial backing and would probably be deemed the front-runner for the Republican nomination. Candidates didn’t just talk about politics on their swing through the Wolverine state. With so many impressive cars around, they also commented on their favorite vehicles. Scholastic News asked Lieberman which car he’d take home if he had a chance.

“I like this sweet little car here,” he said pointing to a bright red, sporty concept car from Ford, called the Verve. But candidates are after a bigger prize: the presidency of the United States.

Photo: Kayla Gough