The Daily News

N.D. Gov. John Hoeven's message in his race for the U.S. Senate echoes his governor's race in 2000 — job growth for a stable economy.

"The No. 1 focus has to be job creation," he said. "We gotta get the country going, out of recession, get businesses investing and putting people back to work."

He said combining these traits with fiscal management and stewardship will help the country get on top of its debt, which is at $13 trillion, he said.

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Through his travels in the state campaigning for outgoing Sen. Byron Dorgan's seat, he said North Dakotans are worried about the $1.4 trillion deficit and the national debt. They're concerned for the future of not only the country, but those inheriting the debt and other problems — their children.

"Getting the debt under control is important," he said.

One way to spur job growth in order to get the debt under control is creating a comprehensive energy policy for the nation. Hoeven's experience with EmPower ND, the state's energy policy developed in 2001, will help him guide others on a national policy.

"(EmPower ND) helped develop all energy resources, provides tax incentives and legal framework," he said.

North Dakota currently is involved in developing clean coal technology, coal gassification, wind farms, biofuels and more.

"This will help create jobs, help the economy grow, reduce dependence on foreign oil and continue to improve environmental stewardship," he said.

With North Dakota's success in job growth, Hoeven hopes to take those ideals with him to the Senate. Since he became governor, North Dakota has become No. 1 in job and income growth, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Hoeven said he and other state officials have realized the state goes through cycles — agriculture is good some years while oil is booming others, for example. The good years offset the bad years, he said.

"Ag will always be No. 1, but more in everything else is the goal," he said.

In response to opponent Sen. Tracy Potter's stance on fixing Social Security, Hoeven said Potter's idea to take the wage cap off Social Security and lower the rate isn't new.

"It's never gone anywhere in Congress," Hoeven said. "At most, it will extend the solvency of Social Security by 7-8 years."

Hoeven's approach to improve Social Security is to first get people back to work. He said current statistics show a 9.5 percent unemployment rate in the U.S., which has many discouraged. One path is to create more certainty for existing and new businesses, and creating an environment to allow small business entrepreneurs to invest and get returns.

"I'm gonna make sure to protect Social Security so it's there (in the future)," he said.

As the campaign trail continues, Hoeven will talk about healthcare reform and fixes needed in the current legislation. He'll also talk about agriculture and continue to strongly support good farm legislation.

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