The fight against climate change in the U.S. is no longer exclusive to Democrats. Democrats used to dominate the environmental issue, gaining votes from party supporters and independent voters by emphasizing their efforts to reduce global warming. This year, Republicans, the party of President George W. Bush, may also highlight climate change during elections. This could distinguish Republican presidential candidates from the policies of the Bush administration, which have isolated the U.S. among major developed countries. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman believes that climate change can attract support from beyond party lines. Republicans are in need of assistance after losing control of both houses of Congress in 2006. According to Mehlman, the party lost due to independents abandoning them, and they need to regain their trust. Mehlman believes that addressing climate change can help win back independents while staying true to 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 conflicting state laws. Religious conservatives see reducing carbon emissions as part of their responsibility to care for the earth. National security conservatives believe cutting dependence on foreign oil would weaken anti-U.S. forces. The current administration opposes the Kyoto Protocol, arguing it would disadvantage the U.S. if developing countries like China and India were exempt. Republican Senator John Warner is leading the way in Congress by co-sponsoring a bill to limit carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Senator John McCain, a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, previously sponsored a bill addressing climate change. There is bipartisan support for these efforts. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, now a presidential candidate and Baptist minister, has not provided many details on how to address climate change but believes that humans must take action to address the issue. In contrast, former Massachusetts Governor (Text ends here) In the Michigan Republican primary last month, Mitt Romney emerged victorious by criticizing McCain's stance on increased fuel efficiency, which he argued would negatively impact the U.S. auto industry, particularly in a state where the Big Three automakers are based and where Romney's father served as governor. In California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has spearheaded a movement to implement stricter emissions standards for vehicles, a plan that has gained support from 16 other states. However, in order to proceed, these states require a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has not yet been granted. During a candidates' debate, McCain, Huckabee, and Romney all expressed support for the waiver, although Romney later adjusted his position. In the presidential campaign, the theme of "change" is prominent among candidates from both major parties. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, both Democrats, have expressed strong support for cap-and-trade plans to reduce carbon emissions. Tony Kreindler of Environmental Defense emphasized the bipartisan backing for this initiative, calling on Congress to take notice. While polls typically show that U.S. voters prioritize issues like the economy and the war in Iraq over climate change, David Sandretti of the League of Conservation Voters disagrees. He believes that environmental concerns are interconnected with other important issues, such as national security and the country's energy future. Sandretti stated that addressing global warming requires addressing the energy issue, which is intertwined with all aspects of America's political life.