SAGINAW (WJRT) -
(02/20/12) - Mitt Romney's campaign is calling on a big name to help get out the vote here in Michigan. Donald Trump called in to a local radio station Monday to reiterate his support for the former Massachusetts governor, but not everyone thinks it was such a good idea.
Trump called in to the "Art Lewis Show" on Saginaw's WSGW. It was the first of four appearances the New York City businessman and "Celebrity Apprentice" star is scheduled to make on radio stations across the state over the next few days.
Lewis says he doesn't usually put what he calls "political surrogates" on the air, but when The Donald calls, "How can you say no to having Donald Trump on your show?"
Trump told Lewis why he gave Romney his support.
"I realized that Mitt -- by far-- and this is very important -- has the best chance of getting elected and beating Obama," said Trump on WSGW.
Trump also made no qualms about his dislike of Romney's Primary opponent, Rick Santorum.
"I see some of his views that are so out there that he could never win the general election," Trump said.
Lewis asked Trump what he would do if Romney doesn't get the Republican nomination.
"If [Romney] doesn't [get the nomination], and I hope that doesn't happen, I would say there's a good possibility that I would do something," Trump said.
"Trump keeps putting out that little tease. But he's not running for anything. He makes too much money on his television show," said University of Michigan-Flint communication professor Marcus Paroske.
Paroske doesn't think Trump's Michigan radio blitz is going to help Romney.
"I'm not really sure if the king of 'Celebrity Apprentice' plays well out here," Paroske said.
"If you're a believer in Donald Trump and everything he says, you go away with a new perspective on Mitt Romney. If you think Donald Trump is a showboater, you probably don't go away with anything," Lewis said.
A new poll by "Public Policy Polling" shows Santorum leading Romney by four percentage points here in Michigan. But last week, the same polling company had Santorum ahead by 15 points.
