Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is facing an unexpectedly stiff challenge in his home state of Michigan from former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa.

Michigan and Arizona will hold their Republican primaries on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

With the battle for Michigan now in the homestretch, both candidates have scored very closely in national polls among would-be voters.

The candidates have been spending a lot time on the campaign trail talking about social issues. However, both know they can't ignore the economy.

"We've got to restore the promise of America with more jobs, less debt, smaller government," Romney said.

During a speech in Detroit this week, Romney proposed a 20 percent across-the-board income tax cut, which he says will boost the economy and create jobs.

"This kind of tax cut encourages small business to hire to raise wages, and small business is what pulls us out of recessions and gets this economy going again," he explained.

While Romney was campaigning in the Motor City, United Auto Workers Union members spoke out against him for opposing the 2008 auto industry bailouts.

Santorum also took the opportunity to add to the pile.

"Who's on the side of Michigan workers? Not Romney. He supported the Wall Street bailouts while turning his back on Michigan workers," he said.

However, Santorum also opposed the bailouts.

"I on principle oppose government coming in and bailing out a sector of the economy or an industry with government dollars," he explained.

But it may not matter. A new poll has revealed that 50 percent of Michigan Republicans also opposed the bailout of the auto industry.

What does matter for both candidates is that winning Michigan and Arizona will gain much-needed momentum heading into Super Tuesday, Mar. 6.