Economy priority for senate candidates

ASHWAUBENON - Three men hoping to represent Wisconsin the United State Senate brought their campaigns to northeast Wisconsin Friday afternoon.

Republicans Dave Westlake and Ron Johnson are seeking the nomination to oppose incumbent democrat Russ Feingold in November.

At a forum sponsored by a number of groups concerned about aging and disability issues, candidates for the United States Senate talked about medicare, social security, and the economy.

"Even talking to a group on aging today, the economy is still a huge issue," said Dave Westlake, republican candidate for senate.

Westlake says the federal government needs to stop spending. He says what the is being spent in Washington is taking tax dollars away from people who could use that money to stimulate the local economy.

"We gotta prioritize what we are allowing our resources for in Washington and make sure that if something is not contributing to the overall well being of our society, stop spending it," said Westlake.

"The problem with our deficit is spending," Ron Johnson told the crowd. Johnson, another republican candidate, did not take questions from reporters. However, during questions from the audience, he touched on government spending.

"We've doubled spending. That's the problem," said Johnson. "That's what needs to be addressed, not increased taxes. Increased taxes will harm the economy and it will not produce jobs."

"I respectfully ask that I'd like to continue to work for them," democratic Senator Russ Feingold told reporters.

Incumbent Feingold says the Recovery Act has helped our country. President Obama signed the act in to law last year, with the intent of creating jobs and spurring the economy.

"We have passed the Hire Act , which is a bill that provides any employer who hires somebody who has been laid off more than 60 days a break on their payroll tax. I want to do more of that," said Feingold.

Just which candidate will have a say in what the federal government does will be determined November. But before the general election the republican candidates will be pared down in the September primary.