BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven has begun his U.S. Senate run with an appeal for lower taxes, less debt and federal tax incentives to encourage job growth and energy production.
In a speech prepared for delivery Monday night at a meeting of Bismarck Republicans, Hoeven declared he will seek the Republican endorsement to run for a seat now held by Democrat Byron Dorgan, who is not running for his fourth term. Recent polls showed Hoeven leading Dorgan in a hypothetical U.S. Senate race.
The governor's speech also was critical of a federal health care overhaul proposal. He said the plan would saddle state governments with billions of dollars in extra costs.