Levin, Hoogendyk focus on economy, national security

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The economy is a major issue in the November election. The race for the United States Senate is no different.

Incumbent Democrat Sen. Carl Levin is up for re-election, and his opponent is Republican State Rep. Jack Hoogendyk.

Levin wants to push for economic policies that promote manufacturing, and trade policies that will create a level playing field for manufacturers, according to a document sent to Central Michigan Life by Levin’s office.

Levin proposed the American Manufacturing Initiative, which brings together government, private industry and academia to provide incentives, health care support, advanced vehicle development, fuel and biofuel conservation and Defense Industry initiatives.

Hoogendyk supports making the current tax relief permanent because he believes taxes are too high, according to his Web site jackformichigan.org. The Web site stated he will never vote for a tax increase.

He believes business taxes must be lowered to encourage more investment in Michigan’s economy and supports free trade policies similar to other nations.

“Since taking office in 1978, Carl Levin has helped increase the national debt from $800 billion to almost $10 trillion,” Hoogendyk’s Web site stated.

Hoogendyk is opposed to deficit spending and thinks the federal budget should be balanced every year.

His Web site stated Carl Levin was the deciding vote on the balanced budget amendment.

Levin believes the U.S. needs a long-term comprehensive energy policy that will decrease dependence on foreign oil, lower the record-high gas prices and reduce the climate changing emissions.

According to the document, Levin wants to promote the use of renewable energy sources through tax incentives for people and companies who develop advanced technology, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean coal, advanced vehicles and clean and renewable low-carbon and carbon-free fuels.

According to his Web site, Hoogendyk believes the U.S. needs to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and carefully explore American oil fields to do so.

He also supports the expansion of nuclear energy and clean coal technology, the Web site stated.

According to the document, Levin believes it is imperative to restore America’s image in the world through support and respect.

“The only way you can defeat terrorism is with the support of the decent people of the world,” the document stated.

Levin is the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and an ex officio member of the Intelligence Committee.

According to the document, he plays a key leadership role on national security issues.

Levin voted against the resolution authorizing military force in Iraq in 2002 and believes the troops need to come home quickly, the document stated.

According to his Web site, Hoogendyk opposes the Supreme Court’s decision to grant foreign terrorists the same rights to legal representation as American citizens.

“Carl Levin praised this decision as ‘an important victory.’ I believe it was a victory for terrorists,” the Web site stated.

Hoogendyk believes in a strong military that will defend the nation against foreign aggression and wants to ensure veterans receive proper medical care.

news@cm-life.com