McCain coming to GM Lordstown on Friday

U.S. Sen. John McCain rolls into the General Motors’ Lordstown plant Friday after announcing his plan to move the country out of the control of foreign oil suppliers.

The Republican presidential is stopping at the assembly plant for the Chevrolet Cobalt because it’s an example of GM’s commitment to invest in fuel-efficient vehicles, a campaign official said. GM is adding a third shift in August to increase production and intends to launch a new small car with higher fuel economy in 2010.

McCain will speak to plant workers, but the event is not open to the public. He also will attend a private fundraiser at a home in Canfield before heading to Cleveland for another fundraiser.

Douglas Holtz-Eakin, McCain’s top economic adviser, said in a telephone interview today that the candidate will talk about his energy plan during the stop at Lordstown. The intent of the plan is to move the country away from reliance on foreign oil, and GM’s upcoming electric car — the Chevrolet Volt — is a centerpiece of the proposal, Holtz-Eakin said.

For more information, see Friday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.