BY RICK PLUTA
Michigan Public Radio Network
Former Congressman Pete Hoekstra of west Michigan easily surged past two challengers to win the Republican U.S. Senate nomination. Hoekstra will face two-term incumbent Democrat Debbie Stabenow on the November ballot.
Hoekstra fended off two primary challengers who questioned both his record and his conservative credentials. Hoesktra said he expects that to make little difference because the November election will be a referendum on the job performance of Senator Stabenow and President Obama.
"We are going to hold the president accountable. We are going to hold the follower-in-chief Debbie Stabenow accountable, because we do believe we can do better."
Hoekstra said the federal health care law, energy policy and the economy will all be issues headed toward November.
There was no time wasted before the launch of the general election campaign. Democrats say Hoekstra's plans would hurt middle class taxpayers.
Copyright 2012, MPRN