General Motors and Chrysler, two of the domestic automakers that declared bankruptcy and received government bailouts in 2009, have politely asked that the presidential candidates not stop at their plants in the course of the 2012 presidential campaigns. GM claims the company adopted the policy shortly after the formation of the "New GM" in 2009, according to Reuters.
Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to appear in Lordstown, Ohio, on Friday, but will not visit GM's plant in the city that builds the Chevrolet Cruze.
The domestic automakers have been cited by both supporters and detractors of the auto bailouts, with proponents noting their success and opponents calling the costs, highlighted by the U.S. Treasury's continued 26-percent stake in GM.
Chrysler, which also received government help in 2009, but has since paid off its loans, cites productivity concerns in its request that candidates not campaign at its production facilities. "The company is focused on meeting production demands," Chrysler said in a statement.
Ford, which did not receive government assistance, but borrowed heavily to avoid bankruptcy, has joined GM and Chrysler requesting to remain above the partisan fray. "We have a long-standing policy of not allowing political campaigning at our manufacturing or other facilities" the company said in a statement.