Kalkaska, Michigan

    United States Senate Republican candidate Peter Konetchy (R-Roscommon) was  the invited guest at a meet and greet event hosted by the Kalkaska Tea Party.  Mr. Konetchy is a primary candidate for the Republican nomination to unseat incumbent Senator Debbie Stabenow in the 2012 general election, and describes himself as a "Constitutional conservative".  Pete is pro life, and a staunch advocate of States rights and the 2nd amendment.  He also explained in detail his support for a balanced budget, and his position against a balanced budget amendment.

    "A balanced budget amendment would effectively freeze government spending at current levels of about 20% of GDP." he told the group of  about thirty.  "This is unacceptable, and we should be working to incrementally reduce the cost of government to the more historic level of 3% of GDP.  This can be done by downsizing unnecessary and unconstitutional departments and agencies currently funded and operating."

    Mr. Konetchy has also been invited to appear at the Antrim County Republican meeting Monday, July 18th, 7 p.m. at Shirley's Café in Mancelona.