I was reading CNN’s compilation of thoughts from Michigan voters and also heard from a friend in the state this morning. I don’t think it is a surprise that the sentiment coming from Democrats there is not a pleasant one because in short, their voices were not heard. That isn’t to say they aren’t happy with Senator Clinton, all things being equal she might have won anyway, but because the state’s delegates will be denied from the convention and because their race was uncontested.

I have made no secret on this blog that I am not in favor of keeping Iowa and New Hampshire’s hold over either parties nomination process. This was a concoction that has only developed since the 1970’s and in short it is one that won’t last. When we look at the mainstream media’s desire to call the entire Democratic nomination after just the small state of Iowa’s caucus, you see the sheer stupidity of this system and how it can be mishandled.

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Mitt Romney has been announced the projected winner in Michigan.

As noted in several posts on this blog Senator Clinton is the only top-tier Democratic candidate who appeared on the ballot in Michigan. Obama & Edwards, who both decided not to participate, have instead urged their supporters to vote uncommitted. If 15 percent of the vote in a congressional district is uncommitted, its delegates will be free to represent any candidate.

So though Clinton will undoubtedly win Obama and Edwards may have found a way to cut a little into that win. Not that it matters, at the moment Michigan’s delegates will not be allowed to attend the convention, though that could always change.

Boston Globe reports:

arly exit polling from Michigan appears to bode well for Mitt Romney and ill for John McCain.

McCain won the Republican primary in 2000, thanks largely to support from independents and Democrats who crossed over.

But while independents made up 35 percent of primary voters in 2000, they only comprised about 25 percent of voters today, according to the exit poll, conducted by Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International for The Associated Press and television networks.

While Republicans made up less than half of primary voters in 2000, two-thirds of GOP primary voters surveyed today said they were registered Republicans, according to the exit poll.

Thinking back to New Hampshire I wouldn’t automatically assume a win for Romney because we won’t know until the votes are counted but it is the first sign we’ve seen today on how tonight might turn out.

ABC is reporting:

- So far, economy is far and away the most important issue to voters turning up. 55% put it on top, 18% said Iraq, 14% illegal immigration, 10% terrorism

- No major evidence that Democrats are turning over to the Republican primary

- No major evidence that the polls are being dominated by independents. Quite the opposite Republicans are making up the bulk of the primary attendance.

Today is the Michigan primary where a lot is perceived to be at stake in the Republican race. Mitt Romney, whose father was Governor of the state, needs a win after facing defeat in Iowa and New Hampshire and only a small delegate win in Wyoming. McCain has been riding high since his NH win and the two have been polling even in recent days.

It is a snowy day in Michigan, cold temperatures and no big push by Democrats. So anything could happen and we could face low turnout or we could face a repeat of the highly charged electorate we’ve seen in Iowa and New Hampshire. To add to the outcome Michigan holds an open primary meaning Democrats and Independents can vote for a Republican of their choice. Will this equate to a McCain victory or will Democrats turn out to toss the Republicans into chaos by handing a win to Romney or perhaps another candidate in order to spread delegates?

For those wondering why the focus in the media has been on Republicans and not Democrats here is the quick rundown. Michigan moved up their primary in violation of Democratic National Committee rules. In response the DNC stripped the state of all delegates. Obama & Edwards have not been campaigning in the state and will not appear on the ballot. Only Clinton, Kucinich, Gravel and Dodd will appear. So no consequences, no coverage.

The next primary is in Michigan on January 15th.

For Republicans it has been looking like a race between Senator John McCain & Governor Mitt Romney.

For Democrats Richardson, Edwards & Obama skipped the Michigan primary because of the states violation of DNC rules leaving only Hillary Clinton as a major contender who will appear on the ballot. She is joined on the ballot with Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich & Chris Dodd (who dropped out last week).

Kucinich will appear in the state to fundraise and campaign, Clinton will only send in surrogates.