Mich. GOP Senate candidate dodges on auto bailout

Former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land (R) dodged on discussing her past opposition to the federal bailout of the auto industry and had to clarify comments about a “free” internet following a candidate forum.

After Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) criticized Land for opposing the auto bailout, which many in Michigan credit for saving the state’s economy, she punted on explaining her views.

“I’ve always supported auto workers,” Land said in Mackinac Island, Mich., when asked by reporters why she opposed the bailout. “Detroit put Michigan on wheels. They’re the backbone of our economy here in Michigan. It’s great that the autos are doing well. I support the autos, and what I want to do is go down to Washington, D.C., and make sure we have a competitive environment here in Michigan and that you don’t overregulate, you don’t overtax and you don’t over-burden Michigan families.”

She also seemed unsure of policy details when asked about her views on net neutrality.

“I think the Internet should be free,” Land said when asked about it. “It is a great source of information. I’m on Twitter and a fan of Twitter. I think that’s a very important part of this. It’s a way to actually interact with the community.”

Land later clarified that she was not proposing free national broadband access. “I think it’s important that the costs don’t go up so people can have access to the Internet,” she told reporters.

Peters has led Land in most recent polling in the race to replace retiring Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.).