Someone California cares about Detroit....

While Californians and others intent on raising fuel efficiency standards have been beating up on Detroit of late, it turns out there's at least one Golden Stater who has the automakers' hometown at heart: Sherman Oaks Democrat Rep. Brad Sherman.

Taking aim at a proposed free trade agreement with Korea, Sherman on Wednesday likened the pact to the war of 1812 which led to the fall of Detroit.

"Before we go forward with a proposal that hte Bush administration tells us will benefit both sides, we should be certain that we are not setting into motion a plan that will once again lead to the demise of Detroit,'' Sherman said.

Automakers have been pushing for a rejection of the trade deal, saying the nation is one of the most resistant to U.S. vehicle imports. In addition to opposing the measure on the grounds that it could hurt U.S. manufacturing, Sherman suggested Wednesday that it could also unwittingly lead to the importation of North Korea goods.

U.S. trade officials defended the pact with the world's 11th largest economy, saying it is key to bolstering a "vital strategic relationship" with one of the U.S. fastest growing trade partners. Officials also noted that under the agreement, duties on priority passenger vehicles would be eliminated, while duties on other cars would be phased out over a three year period.