Michigan shaping up as key state for Republicans

CRUNCH Analysts say Mitt Romney must get a win in Michigan, and all Democratic candidates except Dennis Kucinich are honoring pledges not to campaign there

AFP , DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Barack Obama, John Edwards and Bill Richardson removed their names from the ballot in deference to the national party when the state jumped ahead of "Super Tuesday," Feb. 5, when more than 20 states hold primaries, without permission.

But they are urging party members to mark their ballots "uncommitted" so that Hillary Clinton, the only front-runner on the ticket, does not win the state by default.

Michigan has been barred from sending delegates to the Democratic National Convention in August as punishment for moving forward its primary date.