Michigan Make or Break for Romney
Republicans focus on the brutal economy in Michigan.
Jan. 13, 2008 — -- Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has stumped hard in Michigan for the upcoming Republican primary because it may make or break his presidential hopes.
"If he can't win in Michigan, one of his home states, he probably is going to be forced out of the race," said ABC News analyst Mark Halperin.
After taking second place in Iowa and New Hampshire, the Romney camp wants a clear victory in Michigan and has been offering constant reminders of Romney's ties to the state.
"I care very deeply about Michigan. It's where I was born and raised," Romney said while campaigning.
The main issue for Michigan residents has been its failing economy. The state has the highest rate of unemployment in the country and has lost 300,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000.
Romney's opponents have seized on the issue and centered their message on it.
"I want to look you in the eye and tell you some straight talk. The old jobs won't come back," said Sen. John McCain.
Iowa caucus winner Mike Huckabee took a different approach by taking an indirect swipe at Romney.
"I believe most Americans want their next president to remind them of the guy they worked with, not the guy who laid them off," a Huckabee ad said.
After the Michigan primary, the candidates from both parties are headed to South Carolina, which is shaping up to be a good, old-fashioned Southern brawl, where even Republican Fred Thompson has shown a pulse. As the race stands now, a brokered national convention could be possible.
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