2007 Chevrolet Volt Concept, originally uploaded by GM-Volt.

Last week during my interview with Rep. Mike Rogers about the Michigan Republican primary, we talked at length about his state’s economic problems. The recent national economic slowdown might seem bad, but it’s nothing compared to Michigan’s worst-in-the-nation unemployment rate of 7.6 percent.

Of course, there are those who take a pessimistic view of Michigan’s problems, and then there’s Mike Rogers. The congressman became most excited when our conversation shifted from politics to the auto industry.

Rogers told me about a car in development by GM called the Chevy Volt. I finally had a chance to check out the car’s features today and came away quite impressed with the work that’s being done right here in America. The electric car comes with a rechargeable electric drive system that can be configured to run on electricity, gasoline, E85 or biodiesel.

It’s the kind of vehicle that GM hopes will reduce America’s dependence on gasoline. GM cites a figure that 78% of commuters drive 40 miles or less to and from work. The Chevy Volt could let you drive that distance without using a drop of gas.

Rogers was making a simple point by telling me about the Chevy Volt: Even though others have given up on Michigan, including the Democrats who boycotted the state’s primary, innovate things are happening there in the private sector. The free market is at work, and although times are tough for the state, there is hope. The Chevy Volt is a good example.