Early in the 20th century, a prominent Michigan businessman founded the American automobile industry. This innovative engineer and machinist would revolutionize global manufacturing techniques with the advent of the "moving assembly line" technique for mass production. Henry Ford's innovations would change American transportation and industry forever. With his wealth and power, Ford turned to politics. In 1918 Ford became the leading candidate for a seat in the Michigan Senate; however he was unable to achieve this. What caused Henry Ford to lose his nomination for senator? Ford's political life began in 1917 when he announced his intention to run for senator from the state of Michigan. Once his campaign began, the state majority appeared to favor Ford. This popularity among voters was gained largely after Ford revealed his life story: the son of a simple farmer; he overcame many obstacles to reach the status of a multimillionaire businessman and potential senator from Michigan. Many voters also admired Ford for his engineering feats, his particularly low-cost automobiles, and the high wages he paid his workers. Running as a peace candidate and claiming no political party affiliation, Ford put his name in the Republican and Democratic primary elections. All Democratic candidates withdrew from the primaries, securing the nomination for Henry Ford, while Truman H. Newberry ultimately won the Republican nomination. figures such as President Woodrow Wilson and many Michigan newspapers to convey his political platform to the public. Ford's Populari...... middle of paper ......rd” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Ford“Henry Ford” The Great Idea Finder, http: / /www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/ford.htm"Henry Ford" About.Com, http://inventors.about.com/od/fstartinventors/a/HenryFord.htm"The Truman H. Election Case. Newberry of Michigan (1922)” United States Senate, http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/contested_elections/102Ford_Newberry.htm“Michigan's 1918 Senate Race” Eastern Michigan University, http://edit.emich .edu /index.php?title=Michigan%27s_1918_Senate_Race“Newberry Condemned” Investigation Era Chapter V, 200 Important Days: Senate Histories from 1787 to 2002, http://www.gpoaccess.gov/congress/senate/notabledays/ chap5.pdfSenate Report No. 277, Part I, September 21, 1921, http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/contested_elections/pdf/102_Sep_29_1921_Newberry.pdf