Michigan is just a week away from its Presidential Primary. The GOP candidates are campaigning across the state in preparation for the February 28 event.
Michigan Radio’s Jennifer White spoke with the chair of the Michigan Republican Party, Robert Schostak.
Mitt Romney is from Michigan, so a lot people believe he will win in his home state, but Rick Santorum was leading in the polls over Romney. Schostak is not surprised Santorum is doing well in the state.
“Michigan has always been a competitive state...Michigan always has vibrant primaries. And, I think that Santorum’s early polls were reflecting that and showing that his message was permeating throughout the state and he jumped out in front.”
All Republican presidential candidates are trying to win delegates in Michigan. According to Schostak, Michigan Republicans are looking for a leader.
“Folks in Michigan, like around the country are very concerned about the future of their kids…they are very concerned about spending and taxes, and Obama’s plan to find new ways to raise revenue versus cut government. It’s pretty aggravating to Republicans. So, they’re looking for a leader that can step up and be a problem solver, address these issues and change the way Washington works. And that’s a tall task to be sure,” Schostak said.
Why hasn’t the GOP come together in support of one candidate? Schostak points out it’s still early in the race.
"We have time number one. Number two is, you’re winning delegates by district around the country, so it’s gonna take longer than it would in a situation where it’s winner take all. And, I think lastly the problems of American are so severe and significant, and as a result it’s a tall task to find any one individual that can really tackle the entire issue and express it in terms that can relate to everybody...we are seeing a number of Republican candidates doing so….I think at the end of the day we will unite behind a candidate that’s achieving the delegates, we’ll be one unified party, and we’ll be focused on one thing, and that’s taking back the White House.”
Last Tuesday we spoke with the head of the Michigan Democratic Party, Mark Brewer.
