Lost in the hoopla at the Democratic National Convention and the speculation of a Republican running mate, is Michigan's importance to winning the presidency.

But that's about to change.

For the Democrats, it'll begin as soon as the convention ends Thursday night. Both Barack Obama and Joe Biden will hit the road on a bus trip that will include two campaign stops in Battle Creek Sunday and Detroit on Monday.

KEYS TO WINNING MICHIGAN
Meantime, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean has four keys to Obama winning Michigan.

He wants Democrats to lock up absentee votes early.

He also wants them to spend at least four weekends knocking on doors to get their message out.

He feels the party also needs to look for votes outside the traditional democratic areas of Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Part of that includes targeting rural voters who are struggling financially.

Dean says an Obama victory is very important for Michigan because he will create a health care plan that will take the burden of paying health care costs off struggling businesses like the automakers.

As for John McCain, he and his eventual running mate will rally in Sterling Heights September 5-- the day after the Republican National Convention concludes next week.

McCain has reportedly made his choice for Vice President and told that person. He plans to introduce that person at campaign rally in Dayton, Ohio. One of the front runners, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, unexpectedly canceled some interviews Thursday and public appearances Friday. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is in California rallying supporters. However, a son said he left his San Diego beachfront home with an overnight bag.

If Romney gets the nod, it would go a long way to helping McCain secure Michigan, where Romney's father was governor.

Watch wilx.com for updates on McCain's choice for Vice President.