Fear of plant closings, layoffs shaping autoworker vote

Political experts say that with their livelihood now in jeopardy, autoworkers may vote for the candidate they feel can protect their jobs, or lash out by voting against the candidate in power - whether Democrat or Republican.

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Other observers believe that troubles in the auto industry - increased foreign competition and rising costs of raw materials and health care for workers - will return to the Democrats autoworkers who may have recently voted Republican because of other issues.

"Gay marriage is not going to be at the top of the agenda if you are worried about having a job next month," said professor Harley Shaiken, who specializes in labor issues at the University of California-Berkeley.

David Rohde, professor of political science at Duke University, said there is strong evidence that it is the president voters hold responsible for the state of the economy.

"But if auto companies are closing plants when the governor might have persuaded them to stay, that could have an impact on the fortunes of the governor's party," he said.

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