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Michigan GOP Says Gas Prices Won't Hinder Fuel Economy Debate August 2004Michigan Republicans said Tuesday that rising gas prices and signs of voter indifference won't deter their efforts to persuade Michigan voters that Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, if elected, would harm the state's economy with his push for more fuel-efficient vehicles.The Michigan Republican Party sponsored a weeklong road tour in May highlighting Kerry's past efforts to raise vehicle fuel economy standards. That month, Michigan gas prices rose 18 cents to an average of $1.98 per gallon, and they haven't fallen much since, according to AAA Michigan. The average price for a gallon of gas in August was $1.92, up from $1.65 in August 2003. A month later, a poll by EPIC/MRA of Lansing showed that the majority of Michigan voters said the issue would have no effect on their decision or would make them more likely to vote for Kerry. But Michigan delegates at the Republican National Convention say they're determined to make fuel economy standards an issue in the race. "The way that Sen. Kerry is advocating them would decimate the American automobile industry and put us at a disadvantage with our foreign competitors," said U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, head of President Bush's campaign in Michigan. Kerry's energy plan, announced earlier this month, calls for raising fuel efficiency but doesn't set a specific goal. Before his presidential run, Kerry supported raising the average fuel economy standard for each automaker's fleet from 27.5 mpg to 36 mpg by 2015. Kerry has tried to assure Michigan voters that his efforts would be reasonable, and Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she is only backing Kerry because he pledged not to harm the auto industry. But Republicans aren't convinced. "American workers need to know that John Kerry is not going to be your friend if you're a UAW worker," said Jared Maynard, 24, a non-voting delegate from Macomb County's Clinton Township. Maynard said fuel efficiency is his first priority when he buys a vehicle, and he wants automakers to improve. But he said Kerry would force layoffs by making those changes happen too fast. "We all want more fuel-efficient vehicles, but when it comes down to it, we need it over time," Maynard said. Margaret Van Houten, 35, a delegate and an attorney from Dearborn Heights, said fuel economy has to be a campaign issue because the auto industry is so important to Michigan. "We're all looking for improvements, but you can't mandate it too quickly," she said. "You have to find a reasonable mix." Not all Republicans believe that focusing on fuel economy will help President Bush in Michigan. Linda Solterisch, 57, a delegate from Grosse Pointe Park, said Republicans should focus more heavily terrorism, the economy and education. "To me personally, it is not a big issue," she said. Automakers aren't taking sides in the presidential race, but they have reminded delegates of their heft by sponsoring major events at both the Republican and Democratic conventions. General Motors Corp. provided each with a fleet of 321 vehicles, including 21 hybrid buses and pickups, to shuttle delegates around. SOURCE: Monterey Herald | ||
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