Coleman to meet with senior Ford official

Senator Coleman holds a press conference
U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) speaks during a press conference at his campaign headquarters November 5, 2008 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Cory Ryan/Getty Images

Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., meets with a top Ford Motor Company official this afternoon in Washington to talk about the long-term viability of the auto industry.

Auto executives say they need another $25 billion in emergency loans to stay afloat.

Coleman spokesman, Leroy Coleman, said before the GOP senator will support an auto-industry bailout package, he needs some assurances.

"He's going to say 'What is your model for the future, to return to profitability? What's the long-term solution?' As well, he wants to know what role can the St. Paul plant play as a producer for fuel-efficient vehicles," Leroy Coleman said.

The Ford Ranger Plant was originally to have closed this year but executives have since pushed that back to 2011.

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