MARQUETTE -- Unemployment rates were a hot topic as the chairman of the Michigan Republican Party visited Marquette.

Robert Schostak joined local Republicans at Upfront & Company.  

Schostak commented about the recent jobless numbers saying Michigan has always depended on "one horse" industries.  He said Republican leaders are changing the Michigan business model with things such as a simple tax structure and less regulation.

"Historically, if you look at recessions in the country, Michigan leads the country into recessions, and we're generally the last out of a recession, but I think what we're seeing is it could have been a lot worse.  Governor Snyder and our leaders in Lansing have taken very aggressive steps toward making Michigan more business friendly," said Schostak.

Michigan has a Republican attorney general, secretary of state, and a majority in both the House and Senate.