Romney laid out a plan for bringing back the auto industry that included easing government regulations on mileage standards, lowering corporate taxes while giving breaks for new fuel technology development, and cutting health-care costs for employees.

"Washington has to stop loading Detroit down with unfunded mandates," Romney said, explaining that while cars do need to get increased mileage to lower fuel consumption, federally dictated rates are not the answer.

He also committed to increasing the nation's investment in energy research, fuel technology, materials science and automotive technology from $4 billion to $20 billion and that funding for government retraining programs need to be shifted into personal accounts that are managed by the unemployed themselves.

"There is no one silver bullet," Romney offered.

He started the day by delivering his economic message to an assembly of some 3,000 students and supporters gathered in the Grand Blanc High School auditorium, about 15 miles south of Flint.

"I love this country," Romney said. "I will work to keep this country free and strong — and exert every energy to make sure Michigan comes back and you have a future that is bright and prosperous right here."

For 16-year-old sophomore Christina Autry, Romney pledging to help boost the Michigan economy had special meaning. "My Mom, it took her a really long time to get a job, and my stepdad doesn't have a job right now," she said.

Still, Autry, who said she doesn't want to have to leave her home state to find work herself someday, wasn't entirely convinced Romney would keep his promises to Michigan. "I hope he does if he wins," she said. "I know a lot of presidents promise a lot of things."

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