Detroit News reviewed how Michigan’s role in the primary process for the presidential elections has grown in light of recent primary results in South Carolina.  The following are key excerpts from the article “Michigan’s role rises in GOP presidential contest” (emphasis is mine):

“Romney, who grew up in Bloomfield Hills, had eked out a victory in the Iowa caucuses, won handily in New Hampshire’s primary and was topping the polls in South Carolina…and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich pulled off an impressive come-from-behind triumph in the Palmetto State.

With three winners in three states, Michigan’s contest becomes more critical and will fuel momentum heading into the Super Tuesday delegate bonanza on March 6.

“Clearly, Michigan’s role was elevated (Saturday) night,” said Stu Sandler, a consultant for the Michigan Republican Party.”

…

“Without a runaway winner in the early contests, the competition will head into March and “Michigan is going to be a player in the process,” said Josh Putnam, author of the Frontloading HQ blog that tracks the presidential calendar.

Wanting to be relevant in the primary contests, Michigan and Arizona bucked party rules by opting for a Feb. 28 primary, a move that will cost them half of their delegates. Florida offended the traditional early states the most by moving its primary to Jan. 31, also suffering delegate losses. But Michigan’s primary was not nearly as early as it was in 2008, leaving some wondering whether the penalty would be worth it if the race wouldn’t be competitive.

But with the way the nominating contest has shaken out so far, Michigan’s timing might be just right.

“I think it will absolutely pay off,” Sandler said of the date that he believes will spark a lot of candidate visits. Santorum is slated to speak at the Oakland County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb. 16, less than two weeks before Michigan’s primary.”

…

“I think Michigan is in play, but Romney has the home team advantage per se,” said Saul Anuzis, Michigan’s Republican National Committeeman and a Romney supporter.

Anuzis downplays the Romney losses in Iowa and South Carolina as states that would have been unexpected bonuses for the campaign, but not necessary places he had expected to win initially. “Romney is back to his original plan, which was recognizing it’s going to be a long, drawn-out process,” Anuzis said.”

The full article is available here.

What this means to each of us Michiganders is that we have a profoundly important and influential role this year in selecting our country’s next President.  And to anyone who thinks their vote doesn’t matter, all I have to say is ‘remember Iowa!’

On that note, Michigan’s primary election day is February 28th and that is coming fast!  Check here to see if you’re registered, and if not, remember that you need to be registered before January 30th in order to vote one month later on Feb 28th!  You can read directions on how to register to vote in Michigan here.

Now is also an important time to get involved in Mitt Romney’s campaign.  If you haven’t done so already, sign up for a MyMitt account or make a donation.  Time is getting short and we have an important role to play in securing a better future for our state and our country.  And don’t forget to share this information with friends and family who can also help support Mitt!