Obama and Clinton, meanwhile, continue to hold Michigan at arms length as if we had a smelly diaper.  They won't come here.  They won't ask for a single vote.  But that's not new and unfortunately the Michigan Democrats have gotten used to it over the last several months.  It doesn't even bother them anymore.  A candidate doesn't have to ask for their vote.  They're partisans first, Michiganders second and if there's a "D" attached to a name they'll punch that ballot, period.  

Which is a shame.  Because until you give candidates an incentive to pay attention to your home town and your issues... guess what... they won't.  And if there's one State that deserves a little attention right now it's ours.  Think the 14,000 Chrysler employees who had until yesterday to apply for one of about 10,000 buyouts (read: job terminations) could use a voice and a listening ear?  

Well they'll get one from Senator McCain two days from now.  They might not get one from a Democrat nominee in the next five full years.  FREEP reports:

While Chrysler has said not all who raise their hands are likely to get the packages, which include lump sum payments of $70,000 or $100,000, the automaker is working to rid itself of as many as 10,000 hourly workers on top of the 11,000 hourly workers planned for elimination over three years as part of last February's announced turnaround plan.

A Chrysler spokeswoman declined to say how many people sought the offer.

Good bet it's a big number.  At least four figures.  Could be five.  Think their families aren't hurting over the decision?  As if there isn't enough already trying to kick in our teeth.  Heck, even our gas prices are going up again.  According to the AP:

AAA Michigan says Monday the statewide average of $3.02 per gallon is 72 cents higher than a year ago at this time.

The auto club reports the lowest prices at the pump are in the Lansing area at $2.96 per gallon while Marquette has the state's highest prices at $3.09 a gallon. Drivers in the Detroit area are paying $3.01.

Lowest prices are in Lansing?  What's the deal?  Gas companies trying to convince lawmakers that things really aren't that bad?  A 30 some odd percent jump in prices over the span of one year is bad, boys and girls.  Period.

And Andy Dillon, if you're reading... with natural spikes in prices like these... November probably won't be a good time to vote to raise the gas tax again.  Just saying.