John Edwards understands the challenges that are facing the state of Michigan. He knows that our economy is being ravaged by unfair trade practices, and he understands that we are suffering from the decline of the auto industry and high unemployment rates. He has focused his campaign on issues that are important to us.

However, Edwards also knows that when people break the rules, they must face the consequences. The Michigan Democratic Party violated the rules of the Democratic National Committee by moving it's primary ahead of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada. Edwards and several other Democratic candidates withdrew from the Michigan primary, because they understand that a frontloaded primary system places more importance on money than on issues. The Edwards campaign did not make its decision to withdraw from the Michigan primary easily because it is dedicated to finding solutions to the problems that Michigan residents face every day.

Students for Edwards believes that it is important that students are able to choose between all of the candidates when voting for president. We believe that Michigan should work with the DNC to find a more permanent solution to the primary system in the future, rather than disrupting the current primary cycle.

Whether or not Edwards is in Michigan, he is still talking about the issues that are important to our state. Edwards has the most comprehensive and realistic plan for health care of any candidate. Unlike Barack Obama's plan, it covers every single American. Unlike Hillary Clinton, Edwards will not negotiate with drug companies, insurance companies and their lobbyists. He will not compromise on health care coverage, quality or cost. The Edwards plan will be paid for by rolling back the Bush tax cuts for people making more than $200,000 per year. Edwards believes that health care should be a basic right of all Americans, and he will not back down until every American is covered.

Edwards also believes that his biggest mistake was voting to give President Bush the authority to go to war in Iraq. He has publicly apologized for that vote and believes it is his responsibility to make up for it. Edwards understands that there is no military solution to the conflict in Iraq and America's presence will not help end the civil war that has erupted.

As president, Edwards will immediately withdraw 40,000 to 50,000 troops from Iraq and will force Iraqis to take responsibility for their future. He also believes that the greatest way to support the troops is to make sure they are prepared and equipped for battle before they are sent into harm's way. Edwards will never send America's brave soldiers into battle when they are not properly trained and do not have the armor and weapons to complete their mission and make it home safely.

Edwards believes that with American ingenuity and resolve we can turn the global warming crisis into an opportunity to end our dependence on foreign oil and create a new economy that embraces innovation. He will lead the world to a new climate treaty that commits other countries, including developing nations, to reducing their pollution output. He will require oil companies to install biofuel pumps at 25 percent of their gas stations and require all cars sold after 2010 to be flex-fuel cars. He would like to invest $1 billion for U.S. automakers to advance hybrid and electric cars, hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels. Edwards believes all vehicles should be fuel-efficient and will raise fuel standards to 40 miles per gallon by 2016.

Edwards believes that higher education should be accessible and affordable to all students. His plan, "College for Everyone," was put into action in North Carolina and has become a huge success. Any student willing to work part time during the first year of college will have the cost of tuition and books completely reimbursed. He believes it is up to the Democratic party to restore hope in the American education system. After eight years of the Bush administration, America deserves a president that values education and will invest in teachers and provide the funding to actually enforce standards.

John Edwards is the best candidate to bring real change to Washington. Please join him on his journey to transform America.

Travis Radina is an LSA senior and chair of the University chapter of Student for Edwards.