Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Randy Hekman was the keynote speaker at College Republicans at Central Michigan University meeting at 9 p.m. Tuesday in Anspach Hall 169.

In early 2011, Hekman, a Navy veteran, former prosecutor and juvenile court judge, announced his candidacy to run for Republican nomination for Michigan's open United States Senate seat, currently held by Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow.

Hekman spoke and took questions from students for about an hour.

One topic of concern for Hekman is the growing energy crisis.

Having formed his own company in 1996 to provide energy research and consultation, Hekman researches potential alternative energy sources, particularly in the growing area of Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR).

“LENR does not require heavy shielding nor does it produce radioactive waste.” Hekman said. “It offers incredible potential to provide inexpensive and safe energy for our nation, and a boost to our economy.”

Hekman aims to focus on balancing federal budgets quickly and efficiently through a reduction in the vast size of government without raising taxes.

He spent much of his time addressing issues of economic freedom.

“The Declaration says that our rights come from God, not government.” Hekman said. “It also says that political power comes from the people and is given to the government. Regrettably, in recent decades we have lost track of these great truths and have replaced them with the false notion that government is the source of both our rights and political power. In so doing, we have elevated government and diminished the value of individual citizens. Government has seen unprecedented growth, while the liberties of individuals have declined.”

Clinton Township senior Stephanie Jaczkowski, first vice chair of College Republicans, agreed with Hekman.

“I think that Hekman is right," she said. "The government isn’t the one that grows the economy — it's people, entrepreneurs, that start and grow businesses.”

Hekman aims to focus on balancing federal budgets quickly and efficiently through a reduction in the vast size of government without raising taxes. Hekman said he also plans on "dealing realistically with extremely large and unfunded entitlement liabilities in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid." He also spoke about Barack Obama's health care initiatives, especially 2010's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as "ObamaCare."

“Two words: Repeal ObamaCare.” Hekman stated. “ObamaCare has already devastated the private insurance market. Children are losing their insurance. We have to utilize market forces to reduce the cost of health care.”

He believes health care should not be provided by the government, but rather through private industry.

“I agree that ObamaCare is not the way to lower health care costs,” said Traverse City junior Megan Gill, College Republicans secretary. “I believe that allowing insurance providers to compete across state lines is a way to achieve lower rates. Hekman is correct in that, as in all economic situations. The problem can best be solved through forces within the market, rather than through government-mandated policies.”

Hekman said if elected, he would encourage the nonprofit sector to greatly increase its contribution to human need caused by reductions in federal spending.

“I believe the government has to provide a safety net for citizens who fall through the cracks. However, I do agree with Hekman that the current welfare system should be revamped,” Jaczkowski said.

Hekman's visit was well received by the audience of about 40 students.

“Hekman spoke passionately at our meeting about the fact that the character of ordinary American citizens is what has made our country great,” Gill said.

“Electoral races need more voices like Hekman who have the passion to remind voters why America became the strong and prosperous nation that it is today: it was through the influence of ordinary American citizens who acted upon their beliefs to make a difference in their society.”