DETROIT -- A major push to keep automotive jobs in Michigan is being supported by thousands and the "Make It In Michigan" campaign.

Rep. Gary Peters, D-Mich., spoke to the crowd of supporters that gathered at General Motors' world headquarters in downtown Detroit Tuesday morning.

A letter to GM, signed by thousands of supporters, was delivered by Peters. The letter encourages the automaker to open plants and keep production in Michigan.

"As of right now, we are at 20,000 signatures," Peters said.

A Web site, www.MakeItInMichigan.org, was launched June 15 to help with the effort.

Peters said it's all about getting GM to build compact and subcompact vehicles in the state, specifically the Orion Assembly plant.

"If we are able to get this new vehicle, the subcompact car, back in Orion, that will also open up the Pontiac Stamping plant," Peters said. "So this decision that will be made by General Motors in the next few days, has the impact of a thousand jobs in Michigan."

Orion Assembly Plant worker Tony Medrano said being a part of the campaign has helped him stay positive about the state of the automotive industry.

"With everything going on in the state, and all the news and rumors that you hear, people have been very positive and really pushed forward," he said.

Peters said the campaign plans to send GM a list of new signatures daily.

"We are looking at all impacts," said GM's Elizabeth Lowry. "That state of the facility, the kinds of jobs that are here and the workforce, the energy, the community ..."

"If they do not move this car to Orion, it will not only affect the workers at Orion, but it will affect the fast food restaurants, the corner store and the list goes on, " said Orion worker Robert Patton. "It's very important that we get this product here. Because it started here many years ago and it should continue to go on for another 100 years, and another 100 years."

Seven of the 14 GM plants slated for closure are in Michigan, three of which are in Oakland County.

A decision is expected to be released by June 30.