February 21, 2010

Dave Alexander | Muskegon Chronicle

WEST MICHIGAN -- Pete Hoekstra has represented the Muskegon area for nearly 18 years in Congress.

Now he is embarking on the most ambitious election of his political life -- running as a Republican candidate for governor of Michigan.

And what a time to make such a move.

The state has gone through its most difficult decade economically, shedding thousands of jobs as the domestic auto industry melted down.

The economic depression in Michigan has forced term-limited Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the current Legislature to lead during a dramatic reduction in state government. That has trickled down to hurt every local government and school district in the state.

Hoekstra, 56, sat down with The Muskegon Chronicle's editorial board for nearly two hours and faced the state's difficult issues.


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