Contact: Tim Beals, 616-826-3822, tim.hekmanforsenate@gmail.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 5, 2011 /Standard Newswire/ -- Republican U.S. Senate candidate Randy Hekman vows to strengthen his efforts in the 2012 race as former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land declines to run.

Land, a Republican from Byron Center, announced her decision today, saying on mlive.com, "I know what it takes to do this and right now those things are not in place." She cited funding and support as reasons for her decision.

Hekman lauds Land's years of service to the State of Michigan and wishes her well. He pledges, however, to forge ahead with his campaign despite funding that falls short of Democratic incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow's full coffers.

"The investment it will take to unseat Sen. Stabenow is miniscule compared to what it will cost us as a nation for Democrats to continue moving us down the path toward economic oblivion," said Hekman, who is raising funds now.

"The race is going to take a lot of time and money, but I'm willing to do that because we cannot allow the status quo in Washington to continue," said Hekman. "I'm working full time on the campaign."

Hekman, a former prosecutor, juvenile court judge and founder of Michigan Family Forum, announced his Senate campaign in March 2011. He believes there is an urgency to reduce the national debt and cut government spending. "Unless we do this quickly and aggressively, our future as a nation is in peril," he said.

His primary goals as U.S. Senator will be to reduce debt, cut spending, encourage local and non-profit delivery of need-based assistance, and returning the U.S. to its former strength.

He believes in the sanctity of all life, in volunteerism, and in an America whose strength flows from the character of its citizens. He is available for interviews.

Contact: Tim Beals
616-826-3822
tim.hekmanforsenate@gmail.com