Projo Politics Blog

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- John McCain was trying to repeat history while Mitt Romney was seeking a favorite-son boost as Michigan voters cast ballots today in a very tight GOP presidential primary.

The Democratic side of the primary has generated less interest because Hillary Rodham Clinton is the only top tier candidate on the ballot and no delegates are at stake.

About 20 percent of eligible voters were expected to turn out. Freezing temperatures prevailed and snow was falling across much of the state this morning, with snowfall totals by 9 a.m. EST reaching a half a foot in some places, according to the National Weather Service.

The economy has dominated the GOP race in recent days, with front-runners Romney and McCain both pledging to lead a revival for a state and an auto industry ravaged by recession. Polls showed McCain and Romney in a close race, with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee running third.

Of the three, Romney is most in need of a victory as he looks to restore at least some of the luster lost with defeats in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. Several associates have suggested the former Massachusetts governor may quit the race unless he prevails.

Romney has played up his Michigan roots and his family’s association with the auto industry. He was born and raised in the state and his late father, George Romney, headed American Motors and served three terms as governor of Michigan during the 1960s.

McCain won the state’s primary eight years ago on the strength of independent voters, and hopes for a reprise today. He has regained the lead in the national polls that he enjoyed months ago -- before his campaign nearly came apart over the summer.

The early primary date is new for Michigan, which typically doesn’t hold its presidential primaries until February. On the Republican side, the move cost Michigan half its GOP national convention delegates.

Next up for the Democrats were precinct caucuses Saturday in Nevada, where a debate was scheduled for tonight in Las Vegas.

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-- The Associated Press

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