Romney Faces Tough Race In Home State

Republican presidential candidates are prepping for Tuesday's primary contests in Michigan and Arizona. With Rick Santorum's recent wins, a Michigan victory is critical for Mitt Romney.

The former Massachusetts governor has been campaigning in recent days as a native son of the Great Lakes state.

"A little history... I was born and raised here. I love this state. It seems right here. Trees are the right height. I like seeing the lakes. I love the lakes. There is something very special here," Romney said at a campaign event in Farmington Hills, Mich.

On the campaign trail, Romney has played up his roots in Michigan but his rhetoric isn't necessarily resonating with voters. Back in 2008, Romney won the primary there by a healthy margin. This time, the race is shaping up to be a tight one with Romney and Santorum neck-and-neck in the most recent polls.

Jack Lessenberry, senior news analyst for Michigan Radio, joined WBUR's Morning Edition to discuss Tuesday's primaries.