WASHINGTON — The governor of Michigan said Rick Wagoner, the General Motors chairman and CEO forced out of his job in the Obama administration's final effort to revive the ailing U.S. auto industry, is a "sacrificial lamb."

Interviewed this morning on NBC's "Today" show, Governor Jennifer Granholm noted Wagoner has worked for GM for more than 30 years and was trying to turn the company around.

She said Wagoner agreed to step aside for the good of the carmaker and its workers.

The Obama administration announced late Sunday neither GM nor Chrysler has come up with acceptable business plans to merit receiving additional federal bailout money. The two automakers were each given a brief deadline to try one last time to persuade Washington they're worth saving.