As the economy improves, fewer people will see the economy as an issue of concern. Also, I think the "I don't own an suv, my family does" flap will harm Kerry in Michigan. The GOP should really play on that. Kerry is another limousine liberal who owns nice cars but thinks the average citizen shouldn't. If I were an automobile worker I would be wondering what regulations Kerry would propose that would limit the type or number of cars produced (to help the "environment") that would eventually cost me my job.
That's an easy one! Kerry advocates more tax on gasoline and higher mpg standards for all autos by 2015. That spells death to SUV's , muscle cars, and luxury cars.