Hovde announces U.S. Senate run (PHOTO: Brian Moon)
A businessman has set his sights on the open U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin. At a manufacturing facility in Dane this morning, Eric Hovde said he’s running for office because President Obama and Congress have left us “with a European-Socialist economy” and skyrocketing debt.
Hovde touts his financial background compared to other Senate candidates: “I think coming out of the private sector. Having an understanding of how the American economy-global economy works is very valuable.”
The hedge fund manager added he was “disgusted” by how Wall Street “ripped off” retirement and savings accounts, without being “held accountable.” Hovde emphasized his disagreement with the TARP bailout.
Hovde, a Madison native, recently moved back after living a number of years in Washington DC. He joins a Republican pool which includes former Governor Tommy Thompson, former Congressman Mark Neumann, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, and Rhinelander physical therapist Kip Smith.
The winner of the August 14 GOP primary is expected to face House Democrat Tammy Baldwin in November for the Senate seat to be given up by the retiring Herb Kohl.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (1:02)