Chrysler's PT Cruiser

Chrysler's PT Cruiser

OK, this is somewhat predictable, but still interesting.

On Sunday, ex-GOP presidential nominee John McCain was doing his duty as grand marshal of a NASCAR race at the Phoenix International Raceway, and he made the following quip about what he clearly sees as Chrysler’s (non) prospects for success: “Anybody believes that Chrysler is going to survive, I’d like to meet them.”

Now, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters‘ 9th Congressional District includes Chrysler’s Auburn Hills headquarters (as well as Farmington Hills and Troy), and so you might expect him to come to the defense of the automaker — which, of course, he did.

In a letter he fired off to McCain earlier today, Peters said meet him! In fact, with an oddly polite tone, Peters wrote, “I would like to take you up on your offer and will meet with you at your convenience to discuss the future of Chrysler and the contribution they make to our nation’s economy.”

Elaborating, the first-term Michigan Democrat said McCain should also meet some of Peters’ constituents who work for Chrysler:

“I’d be more than happy to bring you to my district to meet with thousands of Americans who are working hard every day to design new and exciting vehicles and ensure the continued future of the American automobile industry. Hopefully then you might choose to be a partner in the continued success of an industry critically important to our country.”