McCain talks trade with auto workers

LORDSTOWN, OHIO -- Republican John McCain on Friday told auto workers in an economically depressed area of Ohio that he supports free trade agreements that many of them think cost jobs, but that he also supports government investment to help produce the electric cars of the future.

His confession and commitment followed a tour of a General Motors factory that produces the gas-thrifty Chevrolet Cobalt. Company officials recently announced they will add a third shift -- and 1,400 workers -- in August so they can build the cars 24 hours a day.

GM also has announced plans to build in 2010 the Chevrolet Volt, a vehicle it says will travel 40 miles by battery power and will have a range-extending power source to reach 640 miles.

McCain praised both developments as he also made the pitch for an energy strategy that calls for more oil production, development of a revolutionary automotive battery pack and conservation by the federal government in its buildings and huge auto fleet.

"We must develop vehicles such as are being developed here," the presidential contender told employees. "We can lead again in the automotive industry, and that can lead to thousands of jobs."

While McCain received a respectful welcome, one employee firmly asked him about trade pacts such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Central American Free Trade Agreement -- both of which workers think have triggered job shifts to Canada, Mexico and Central America.

McCain supports the agreements. Democrat Barack Obama has said he would re-examine NAFTA if labor and environmental concessions are not made.