Michigan race pivotal for Republicans

MICHIGAN voters headed to the polls yesterday in a presidential primary that could prove pivotal for the leading Republican candidates, but has generated less interest on the Democratic side with Hillary Clinton the only top tier candidate on the ballot.

About 20% of eligible voters were expected to turn out, where freezing temperatures prevailed. The economy dominated the closely contested GOP race in recent days, with front-runners Mitt Romney and John McCain both pledging to lead a revival for a state, and an auto industry, ravaged by recession. Polls showed Mr McCain and Mr Romney in a close race, with former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee running third.

Of the three, Mr Romney was most in need of a victory as he looks to restore some of the lustre lost with defeats in Iowa and New Hampshire.