The battle against climate change in the United States is no longer exclusive to Democrats. In the past, Democrats were known for prioritizing environmental issues and gaining votes from both party supporters and independent voters by emphasizing their strategies to combat global warming. However, this year, Republicans, traditionally associated with President George W. Bush, may also adopt climate change as a key election issue. This shift could help distinguish Republican presidential candidates from the policies of the Bush administration, which have led to the United States being isolated among major developed nations. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman believes that climate change has the potential to garner support beyond party lines. Republicans are in need of assistance following their loss of control in Congress in 2006. Mehlman stated that independents deserted the party, which led to their defeat. He believes that regaining the trust of independents is crucial, and suggests that addressing climate change is a way to do so while staying true to conservative principles. Economic conservatives, who are typically Republicans, see technological advancements as a means to generate economic growth and employment opportunities. Some corporate leaders support a federal limit on carbon emissions to avoid conflicting state laws. Religious conservatives, often aligned with Republicans, view reducing carbon emissions as part of their responsibility to care for the environment. National security conservatives argue that cutting dependence on foreign oil would weaken funding for anti-U.S. entities in the Middle East and elsewhere. This differs from the current administration's stance, as the United States is the only major industrialized country opposing the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. Bush believes the Kyoto plan would disadvantage the U.S. if countries like China and India were not held to the same standards. Republican Sen. John Warner is leading efforts on Capitol Hill by co-sponsoring a bill to limit carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Arizona Sen. John McCain, who is a top contender for the Republican presidential nomination, previously sponsored a climate change bill. There is bipartisan support for these efforts. Former Republican Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who is now running for president and is also an ordained Baptist minister, has not provided many details on how to combat climate change but believes that humans must take action to address it. In contrast, former Massachusetts Gov. [Name] has a different approach. Mitt Romney emerged as the winner of the Republican primary in Michigan last month, where his father was once governor and the Big Three automakers are located. He criticized McCain's backing of increased fuel efficiency, arguing that it would harm the U.S. auto industry. In California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger spearheaded an effort to implement stricter emissions standards for vehicles, a move supported by 16 other states. However, obtaining a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is necessary for this plan, and it has not yet been granted. During a candidates' debate, McCain, Huckabee, and Romney all expressed support for the waiver, although Romney later adjusted his stance. In the race for the presidency, candidates from both major parties have been emphasizing the importance of "change." Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have shown strong support for cap-and-trade plans to reduce carbon emissions, which is seen as a bipartisan effort to address climate change. While polls suggest that voters prioritize issues like the economy and the war in Iraq over climate change, some argue that environmental concerns are interconnected with other important issues such as national security and the country's energy future. Sandretti stated that it is impossible to tackle global warming without addressing the energy problem, as it impacts every aspect of America's political landscape.