Rudy Giuliani kicked off a weekend of pitches from presidential hopefuls at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference Friday night, telling 1,200 party activists that the solution to Michigan’s economic woes is lower taxes and less government.

“Michigan is going through a situation that to me looks like déjà vu all over again,” the former New York mayor told Republicans gathered in the ornate dining room of the island’s Grand Hotel. Giuliani said he faced the same problems Michigan now faces — job losses, an exodus of population — when he took over as mayor in 1994.

“There is a game plan for what you do when you have a budget deficit, people leaving, high unemployment: lower taxes, smaller government, less regulation,” Giuliani said….

Join Rudy 2008

Rudy is no slouch on the economy, and failed governor, Jennifer Granholm, along with a Republican State Legislature has sure done a number on Michigan’s economy. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate at 7.2% and was one of only four states to lose population in 2005. Rudy has a proven track record of cleaning up economic black holes as his history in New York City clearly demonstrates. The Michigan politicians would sure be wise to take lessons from him.