The battle against climate change in the United States is no longer exclusive to Democrats. Democrats have historically been associated with environmental issues, attracting votes from party supporters and independent voters by emphasizing their efforts to address global warming. However, there is a possibility that Republicans, traditionally aligned with President George W. Bush, may prioritize climate change in upcoming elections. This shift could distinguish Republican presidential candidates from the policies of the Bush administration, which have caused the US to be isolated among major developed nations. According to former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman, climate change has the potential to gain support from individuals outside of the party. Republicans are seeking assistance after losing control of both houses of Congress in 2006. According to Mehlman, independents turning away from the party was the reason for the loss. Mehlman believes that winning back the confidence of independents can be achieved through addressing climate change, aligning with conservative values. Economic conservatives, who are typically Republicans, see technological solutions as a means to generate wealth and employment opportunities. Some corporate leaders support a federal limit on carbon emissions to avoid a variety of state laws. Religious conservatives, often affiliated with the Republican party, see reducing carbon emissions as part of their responsibility to care for the Earth as a gift from God. National security conservatives believe that reducing reliance on foreign oil would weaken funding for anti-American groups in the Middle East and elsewhere. This viewpoint is in contrast to the current administration, which is the only major industrialized country to oppose the Kyoto Protocol, a treaty aimed at capping carbon emissions. President Bush has expressed concerns that the Kyoto Protocol would disadvantage the United States if countries like China and India, which are experiencing rapid growth, were not required to follow its regulations. John Warner, a Republican senator, is leading efforts on Capitol Hill to co-sponsor a bill aimed at capping carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. John McCain, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, previously sponsored a climate change bill. There is bipartisan support for these efforts. Mike Huckabee, a former Republican governor of Arkansas and current presidential candidate, has not provided many details on how to combat climate change but has emphasized the need for action to address the issue. In comparison, former Massachusetts Gov. has a different approach. Mitt Romney won the Republican primary in Michigan by criticizing McCain's support for increased fuel efficiency, which he claimed would harm the U.S. auto industry. In California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is leading a campaign for stricter emissions standards for vehicles, a plan that has been adopted by 16 other states. The states are seeking a waiver from the EPA to implement these standards, a request that has not yet been approved. During a candidates' debate, McCain, Huckabee, and Romney all expressed support for the waiver, though Romney later changed his stance. In the presidential election, where candidates from both major parties are emphasizing the need for "change", Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have shown strong support for cap-and-trade plans to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. Tony Kreindler of the non-partisan group Environmental Defense believes that the bipartisan backing for limiting global warming pollution should prompt Congress to take action. Despite polls indicating that climate change ranks lower in importance for U.S. voters compared to issues like the economy and the war in Iraq, David Sandretti of the League of Conservation Voters disagrees, arguing that the environment is interconnected with other issues. Sandretti highlights the connection between climate change and national security, as well as the impact on the country's energy future. Sandretti stated that addressing global warming is impossible without also addressing the energy issue, which is intertwined with all aspects of America's political life.