The battle against climate change in the U.S. is no longer exclusive to Democrats. In the past, Democrats were known for their environmental efforts, attracting votes from party members and independent voters by emphasizing their strategies to address global warming. However, this year, Republicans, traditionally associated with President George W. Bush, may use climate change as a central issue during elections. This could distinguish Republican presidential candidates from the policies of the Bush administration, which have caused the U.S. to be isolated among major developed countries. Ken Mehlman, former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, believes that climate change can garner support from individuals beyond the Republican Party. Republicans are in need of assistance after losing control of both houses of Congress in 2006. Mehlman stated that independents deserted the party, leading to their defeat. He believes that gaining back the trust of independents is crucial and suggests that addressing climate change can be done in line 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 mix of state laws. Religious conservatives, often aligned with the Republicans, see reducing carbon emissions as a way to fulfill their responsibility as stewards of divine creation. National security conservatives believe that reducing reliance on foreign oil would weaken funding for anti-U.S. groups in the Middle East and beyond. The current administration, unlike other major industrialized nations, opposes the Kyoto Protocol which aims to cap carbon emissions. President Bush argues that the Kyoto plan would disadvantage the United States if rapidly growing developing countries like China and India were not held to the same standards. Republican Senator John Warner is leading the charge in Congress by co-sponsoring a bill to limit carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Senator John McCain, who is currently the leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, previously sponsored a bill addressing climate change. There is bipartisan support for these efforts. Mike Huckabee, a former Republican governor of Arkansas and ordained Baptist minister who is also running for president, has not provided many details on how to address climate change but has emphasized the importance of human action in mitigating its effects. In contrast, former Massachusetts Governor [name missing] has taken a different approach. Mitt Romney won the Republican primary in Michigan by criticizing McCain's support for increased fuel efficiency, arguing it would harm the U.S. auto industry. Meanwhile, in California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is pushing for tougher emissions standards for vehicles, a plan that has been adopted by 16 other states pending approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. McCain, Huckabee, and Romney initially expressed support for the waiver needed for these standards, with Romney later adjusting his stance. In the presidential election, the focus on "change" is evident among candidates from both major parties. Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have expressed strong support for cap-and-trade plans to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Tony Kreindler from the non-partisan Environmental Defense group believes that bipartisan support for capping global warming pollution should alert Congress to take action. While polls show that voters prioritize issues like the economy and the war in Iraq over climate change, David Sandretti from the League of Conservation Voters disagrees, arguing that the environment is interconnected with other important issues. Sandretti pointed out that climate change is linked to national security and the future of U.S. energy. Sandretti stated that addressing global warming is impossible without addressing the energy issue, which impacts all aspects of America's political life.