Peter Hoekstra in 2012 Michigan Senate Debates

On Principles & Values: I will either debate her or an empty chair; it's her choice

Stabenow had accepted debate invitations at the Detroit Economic Club and Grand Valley State University, which have held U.S. Senate debates in recent Michigan election cycles. Hoekstra said he wanted debates with more exposure.

Hoekstra responded with a comment issued through his campaign: "Michigan families should be appalled that Debbie Stabenow is attempting to cancel all debates." Hoekstra said "she clearly now feels that she can't defend her record."

Hoekstra plans to attend what his campaign called a health care debate in Lansing--but he likely will be the only candidate in attendance. Hoekstra said: "I will either debate her or an empty chair. It is her choice

On Government Reform: Setting 12-year term limit a mistake; after serving 18 years

Hoekstra stood up to the shots, saying he made a mistake by setting a 12-year mark for his departure from the government. He pointed out his victory margins increased after he broke the promise. "The most important term limits are the ones people impose," he said.

On Budget & Economy: TARP & debt ceiling increase were needed to fund two wars

Hoekstra said he was the guy that along with others that shutdown government and led the effort to stop No Child Left Behind, when only 20 Republicans voted no. He said his opponents were distorting his record. On cutting government, Candidate Glenn said he would like to see the IRS, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Education eliminated for cost savings. Pete Konetchy also said he would require government to follow the constitution. "We cannot spend any money out of the federal treasury without a specific power. So anything being spent right now on things such as health, community services or education, energy, whatever at the federal level--it's unconstitutional," Konetchy said.

On Budget & Economy: Cut agencies which are not in the constitution

On Foreign Policy: China is a nation that cheats and steals; no MFN

On Principles & Values: Accused of anti-Chinese racism in Super Bowl TV ad

Actress Lisa Chan, who portrayed the young Asian woman in the ad, apologized via Facebook last week for her role. Hoekstra did not address Clark's accusations or his television ad, which has since been replaced. Pete Hoekstra's Super Bowl advertisement featured a bike-riding Chinese woman thanking incumbent Democrat Sen. Debbie Stabenow (called Spend-it-now in the promo) in broken English for helping support deficit spending that is aiding the Chinese economy. The ad received national criticism from both sides of the aisle.