Elk Rapids voters cast their ballots at the combined government center January 15. Photo by Brian Keilen

But despite his best efforts, McCain lost the Michigan GOP Primary to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

A large group rallied in Traverse City at The Hagerty Center on Jan. 15. Traverse City Mayor Michael Estes, Sen. Michelle McManus, Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth "Betty" Weaver were in attendance, among several others.

McManus spoke about McCain before he took the stage. "First of all I think he's the type of guy who's going to tell us the truth no matter if we like it or not, and we need more politicians like that," McManus said.

She continued to say that she believed McCain was a man who would defend the country nationally and honor the sanctity of life. McCain took the stage accompanied by his wife Cindy.

During his speech, he reported that he had recently attended The Detroit Auto Show and was impressed with and excited about the "rebirth of technology," namely new green technology, he had witnessed there. He said in the near future he expected Michigan to be a front runner in the hybrid and electric car industry, with "the big three leading the way," (Ford, General Motors and Chrysler).

McCain then segued into talk about the necessity of the United States to eliminate its dependance on foreign oil at the expense of $400 billion dollars a year. He said in many cases, the US is dealing with countries that are not its friend and are potentially funding terrorist groups.

McCain also said he believed global warming was a problem but explained how he plans to approach the issue with Michigan.

"We will have only the Great Lakes determine what happens to the Great Lakes," McCain said.

He continued to say that an additional problem with the Great Lakes is the lowering water levels.

"Not only do we have to make sure that the Great Lakes water stays where it is, but we've got to worry about the declining levels of water itself," McCain said.

McCain added that he realized that in some segments of America today, his statements about the environment are sometimes "not popular," but continued to explain the risk he believes the US is taking.

"Suppose we're wrong and we develop these new technologies that I saw last night in Detroit...and there's no such thing as climate change and we offer our kids a better and cleaner world," McCain said. "But suppose we are right and do nothing. Suppose we are right and do nothing. Don't we have an obligation to these young people? Don't we have an obligation not to damage this climate?"

He expressed his interest in "erring on the side of the safety," for future Americans, and said he will invite the debate to continue if elected. Nuclear power was something McCain said he was interested in utilizing, along with wind and solar power, to end the dependance on foreign oil.

Also, McCain said one of his highest priorities was to make sure the no Michigan worker is left behind. Poor immigration policy has failed the US he said. He added that congress has failed to secure US borders, but he will.

He continued to say that he will "fix" social security and medicare so America's youth will receive the same benefits as their grandparents, and mend the ailing veterans' healthcare system, citing Walter Reed Army Medical Center as an example. McCain added that he planned to start a system where a plastic card would be accepted everywhere so that veterans can go to the office of choice for their care, rather than drive for hours.

McCain concluded his speech by talking about the War on Terror. "I'm looking you in the eye right now my friends, and I have to tell you if I have to follow him to the gates of Hell, I'll get Osama bin Laden," McCain said. "I'll get him and bring him to justice and I know how to do it." He continued.

"If you forget everything I tell you this morning, please remember this: Al Qaeda is on the rise," McCain said. "They are not defeated. They're doing everything in their power to try to kill Americans and try to regain control of Iraq because they know...that (it) is the central battle ground in the struggle against Islamic extremism," McCain said.

He finished his speech by promising that if he were elected he would make sure that the deaths of the many American soldiers were not in vain.

Megan Taylor can be reached for question or comment at mtaylor@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-264-9711.