Auto union backs Rep. Peters over Rep. Clark

The United Auto Workers has endorsed Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) in his primary battle against Rep. Hansen Clark (D-Mich.).

Peters's district was dismantled when Michigan redrew its congressional maps, forcing Peters to square off against a fellow incumbent if he wanted a chance to keep his seat in the House.

Peters and Clark will face each other in an Aug. 7 primary.

The backing of the union, a major player in Michigan Democratic politics, will likely help Peters make his case to blue-collar voters, and follows other endorsements including those from about a dozen other state and local unions.

"Gary Peters has shown tremendous leadership and courage by leading the fight for the automotive industry, including his work to secure the auto loans which saved over a million American automotive jobs,” said Chuck Hall, who directs the union's Detroit-area branch.