Budget deficit a looming concern for state Senate candidates

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Candidates in the 33rd District state Senate race have actively engaged voters this past week to try and garner as much support as possible going into Tuesday’s election.

Republican Judy Emmons and Democratic James Hoisington agree next year’s looming state budget deficit is the first issue they will tackle if elected, and they want voters to know where they stand.

The candidates also said they will focus on job creation, education, infrastructure and public safety.

Emmons said she has tried to be everywhere in the district throughout the last week of campaigning. She said she focused on going door-to-door and listening to concerns and issues.

“Overall, I really believe it’s going to be a good experience and hopefully it will be a good outcome, as well,” she said.

Hoisington is running for office, he said, because he wants to make a difference in state government. A business owner, he said he’s confident going into tomorrow’s election.

Hoisington said he has received extremely good reviews from constituents in the district because voters like his committed philosophy.

“They want somebody that’s going to listen to the problems they have and actually take (them to Lansing) … and that’s exactly what I will do if elected,” he said.

Emmons said she has worked as hard as she could to prove her commitment to the district, and has done everything she believed a candidate should do.

She still believes the economy is the biggest issue on the agenda this election year.

“It’s about jobs and that’s been the consistent theme and consistent message from folks I’ve talked to,” she said. “They’re concerned.”

Emmons said she advocated for jobs for her constituents when she represented the 70th state House District from January 2003 to 2008.

She said she is fiscally conservative and believes in traditional family values, and her political experience gives her a good grasp of what voters expect from their government.

While campaigning, Hoisington said he has not forced his party’s agenda on voters, but has actively listened to their concerns and ideas.

“My strategy is what I believe in and that is meeting with local leaders in the communities,” he said. “It’s exciting to talk to them because they know the issues plaguing the (community).”

Hoisington said local leaders have been receptive to his visits because they feel legislatures in Lansing are not engaging in constructive dialogue with them to fix problems in their districts.

Libertarian candidate Joshua Lillie was unavailable for comment.