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.

Several associates have suggested the former Massachusetts governor may quit the race unless he prevails.

Mr McCain won the state’s primary eight years ago on the strength of independent voters, and he was hoping for a reprise yesterday. He had regained the lead in the national polls that he enjoyed months ago — before his campaign nearly came apart over the summer.

Among the Democrats, Barack Obama and John Edwards pulled their names from ballot after Michigan broke national party rules by moving up its primary date. Their supporters were urging voters to vote for uncommitted, which could leave some delegates free to back Mr Obama or Mr Edwards.

The primary date itself was unusual for Michigan, which typically doesn’t hold presidential primaries until February. The date was moved up over the objections of national party leaders to try and give the state more say in the selection of presidential candidates.

The move cost Michigan all of its Democratic national convention delegates and half its Republican ones. However, state party leaders are confident the delegates eventually will be seated.

Next up for the Democrats are caucuses on Saturday in Nevada. Ms Clinton and Mr Obama have sought to put an end to a bitter row over the race issue which has clouded the Democratic race.

The campaign had been mired in a dispute over comments the former first lady made about civil rights icon Martin Luther King, which her critics interpreted as devaluing his contribution to the 1960s movement.