Profile: Pete Hoekstra

Name: Pete Hoekstra

Office you are Seeking:  U.S. Senate

Current Profession: Consultant

Age: 55

Where Do you Live: Holland

Marital Status and Children: Married, Three Adult Children
 
Questionnaire:

Why did you decide to run for this office (or for re-election) ?

Michigan families are suffering through the worst economic recovery, the worst sustained jobless rate and the worst debt crisis in U.S. history.  We need new leadership in Washington that will be focused on solutions and get the job done for Michigan families, manufacturers, farmers and small businesses.  I have a passion for public service and the business and legislative background to get the country back on track.
 
What particular skill set or experience would you bring to this office?

I have spent half my career in the private sector working for Herman Miller, a company long acknowledged for its innovation and  being one the best places to work.  The second half of my career was in the public sector serving West Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives.  I know the issues that are important to the state and Michigan families, and I know what job creators need to be successful and how to pass those reforms through the legislature.  
 
What, in your opinion, is the primary cause for the political polarization that we see in Washington, and what could or should be done about it?

It's about relationships and leadership.  In many regards, the tone is set from the top.  Unfortunately, President Obama locked out Republicans his first two-years with wide margins in the Senate and the House.  After the election, unlike President Clinton, he doubled down and again refused to work with Republicans and pursued his policies through regulations.  I am willing to work with anyone that is interested in reforming government, reducing wasteful spending, protecting the unborn and creating jobs through free market principles.
 
If the deficit is a major concern, how best should we deal with it as a nation, spending cuts, tax increases or both?

Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.  In the short-term we need to end duplicative programs, many of which have been identified by the GAO.  Additionally, we need to streamline government to eliminate redundant programs between federal and state governments. We also need to return to pre-stimulus spending levels.  For the long-term, we need to address the true drivers of our debt which are entitlements.  We have been successful in the past with reforming Welfare, we need the right leadership now to take on the tough tasks. We also need to pass comprehensive tax reform that will encourage investment and growth.
 
What is the biggest issue facing Michigan that you  believe you could positively impact by holding the federal office that you are seeking?

A national unemployment rate that has been over 8 percent for 43 consecutive months and an overall anti-free market, anti-investment agenda coming out of Washington.  We have uncertainty in the market from over burdensome federal regulations, the government takeover of health care, skyrocketing national debt and impending tax increases. We need to embrace pro-growth policies.  This includes tax reform, regulatory reform, domestic energy reform and spending reform that encourages investment and creates jobs.  We must make the tough decisions and allow the free market to operate.