With U.S. Senate elections coming up later this year, it’s important for voters to get to know the candidates and their platforms in order to make an informed decision at the polls. Eric Hovde, a 47 year-old Madison native, joins the race this year alongside many other Republican contenders, including former Gov. Tommy Thompson.

Hovde studied Economics and International Relations at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has a strong background in finance and real estate. Hovde Properties LLC, a real estate company, is one of his main strongholds, along with Hovde Financial, Hovde Securities and Hovde Private Equity Advisors. Hovde Capital Advisors, LLC, completes the list. Put together with each other, this series of companies is both complex and family owned.

These days, many are concerned with numerous social and fiscal issues. The state of affairs in the job-sector remains one of the top areas of interest. Hovde is particularly passionate about the state of the middle class and unemployment issues, and is pushing to back small and medium-sized businesses, stating that they are the “engine of our economy.” He is also backing a platform of working to create job opportunities as well as a refined tax system.

“I’ve never run for office, but I have spent more than two decades in the private sector building companies and putting people to work.” Hovde said.

Hovde makes health care a strong part of his platform, particularly in terms of reform. He disagrees with the ideals of President Obama and Congresswoman Baldwin, citing that competition in the marketplace can help ensure cost-effective health insurance for Americans.

“Obama Care isn’t just a radical assault on our health care system, it’s an assault on our entire economy,” Hovde said.

Energy independence is a key part of Hovde’s campaign. He is interested in domestic oil production as well as exploring new and developing technologies to try to offset issues like rising gas prices.

Hovde takes a serious stance on issues such as abortion. His platform calls for the defense of all human life, from conception to natural death, and he is also interested in upholding traditional family values.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1991, Hovde became passionate about reaching out and helping others. In 1998, he founded the Hovde Foundation, a charity aimed at supporting research toward a cure for MS. Today, the Hovde Foundation is active in South America, Africa and the United States.

More information can be found by visiting Hovde’s main campaign site, www.ericforsenate.com.