Wonder how the Iraqi Immigrants in Detroit vote?
Decision 2004
Car issues may slow Kerry in Michigan
Senator's push for tougher fuel standards rubs auto industry, workers the wrong way
By Richard A. Ryan, and Jeff Plungis / Detroit News Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — John Kerry appears headed for victory in Saturday’s Michigan Democratic Caucus — despite his stand on a proposal that could cost the state’s battered auto industry tens of thousands more jobs.
Thus, even if he wins as handily as polls suggest and captures the presidential nomination, his call for dramatically higher automotive fuel economy standards, and support of NAFTA, will require some explaining before the November election to large constituencies here who like neither.
A Detroit News/Mitchell poll of 450 likely caucus voters statewide taken Tuesday through Thursday shows Kerry with 52 percent support. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean was second with 9 percent, followed by North Carolina Sen. John Edwards at 8 percent.
Kerry must be prepared to convince auto executives and workers alike that “he will be very attentive” to the needs and concerns of the auto industry, said Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, one of the industry’s fiercest defenders in Congress.
The UAW and the Big Three automakers contend that implementing the higher fuel standards proposed by Kerry would cost the state thousands of jobs, because it would force them to build vehicles that people don’t want.
Kerry also will be questioned about his strong support of the North American Free Trade Agreement, a pact that many union members believe is responsible for the migration of American jobs to Mexico.
“Everyone should be held accountable for past positions,” said former Michigan Democratic congressman David Bonior, a forceful opponent of NAFTA who is now backing North Carolina Sen. John Edwards in the Democratic presidential race.
Kerry’s major rivals for the presidential nomination also contend Detroit can build more fuel-efficient cars. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean has called for even tougher fuel economy standards than Kerry. North Carolina Sen. John Edwards is on record as supporting higher fuel efficiency standards, but has not said how high. And retired Gen. Wesley Clark said it is possible to build cars and SUVs that are twice as efficient as today’s models, but he would not set a target until consulting with the industry, scientists and environmental groups.
In fact, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy law, which took effect in the late 1970s, is often viewed in Washington as a very effective program that should be strengthened. In general, only lawmakers from Michigan and other states with large domestic auto industry operations have seen its downside: the Big Three were forced to invest well over $100 billion on unfamiliar new technology, some of their most profitable and popular models had to be scrapped, and foreign rivals were handed a significant competitive advantage.
Softened stance
Kerry angered the auto industry and the UAW two years ago when he proposed increasing fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks to 36 miles per gallon by 2015. The current car standard is 27.5 mpg. The present truck standard of 20.7 mpg is currently scheduled under a Bush Administration regulation to increase gradually to 22.2 mpg by 2007.
He did not back down from his fuel efficiency proposal during the early stages of his presidential campaign.
During a presidential debate, Kerry challenged U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt’s refusal to back higher fuel economy standards.
“How do we get to energy independence when 50 percent or more of our fuel is in oil for transportation?” Kerry demanded. “How are we going to break that without raising fuel efficiency?”
But in remarks following his five-state victory Tuesday, Kerry said he wanted the auto industry and government to be partners in making cars of the future, including hybrids and hydrogen-fueled vehicles.
Dingell, who has not endorsed a candidate, said he talked to Kerry about his attitude toward the auto industry the day the senator easily won the New Hampshire primary and became the favorite to win his party’s nomination.
“It would be my hope that as president he would be much more friendly and solicitous of the well being of the auto industry than his comments in the Senate would indicate,” Dingell said.
Kerry assured him that he would be “very attentive” to the industry’s concerns and would not permit actions to be taken by his administration “that would be hurtful,” Dingell said.
Levin backs Kerry
Michigan Democratic Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, who endorsed Kerry Thursday, said they do not believe Kerry’s position on fuel economy would harm him in a general election.
“I think he is a very reasonable person,” said Levin, who vigorously opposed Kerry’s fuel plan. “I am convinced he is going to be open to the very difficult issues that are involved in the whole CAFE law.”
Earlier, Gov. Jennifer Granholm endorsed Kerry after he agreed to try to “fix” NAFTA and not rush the auto industry into developing tougher fuel economy standards.
Kerry has told her in private conversations that he is not wedded to the 36 mpg fleet average by 2015, Granholm said. “Sen. Kerry has said he wants to make sure jobs do not leave this state,” the governor declared.
Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council, said Kerry needs to explain that “better fuel economy is the only way for the Big Three to stay competitive” and that he would provide automakers financial support to make the transition. Kerry’s proposal called for spending $1 billion a year to help automakers retool factories to improve fuel economy.
The UAW, which has 423,000 active workers and retirees in Michigan, has remained neutral in the Democratic contest.
Republicans already appear poised to use Kerry’s position on CAFE against him in the November election.
Michigan Republican Party Chair Betsy DeVos noted that Granholm said Kerry has promised to help end the loss of manufacturing jobs.
“I’ve seen John Kerry’s job-killing CAFE plan to help Michigan manufacturers,” DeVos said. |
