This was done so the union pensions could be funded at the expense of non-union employees. “Auto states” being mostly union I think ads by the republicans would only rally the unions.
The “auto states” are Ohio and Michigan, where most of Delphi’s operations are. You’re not going to get the UAW votes anyway, but a lot of people in Michigan are NOT very aware of the Delphi situation because all they know is whatever anecdotals they’ve come across. There has been a news blackout on this situation. More cover-up for the Sainted One
I’m a native Michigander with lots of ties to the state, though I no longer live there.