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MARQUETTE -- Former Congressman Pete Hoekstra is visiting Upper Michigan, campaigning for his upcoming election.

Hoekstra is running for the U.S. Senate, hoping to take current Senator and 12-year incumbent, Debbie Stabenow's, seat.  Early on Thursday, Hoekstra took a tour of the Eagle Mine before attending a meet and greet at the Republican headquarters in Marquette.

If elected, his main priority is to decrease the unemployment rate in Michigan.  Hoekstra feels his education and private sector experience will be extremely beneficial in addressing the issue.

"We need to create an environment that embraces the kinds of policies that will encourage people to invest and to create jobs," said Hoekstra.

After the meet and greet, Hoekstra visited Marquette General Hospital and left for Escanaba.