IRON MOUNTAIN -- Election day 2012 is still more than a year away, but campaigning is well underway across the state.

Republican Senate candidate Peter Konetchy of downstate Roscommon held a campaign dinner at Recreation Lanes in Iron Mountain.
    
He's a first-time politician and business owner.
    
Konetchy is also a self-proclaimed constitutional conservative who wants to cut federal spending, cut taxes, and have a limited government.  He says the best way to do that is for Republicans to stop compromising.

"What I would do is I would want significant cuts, and if I go to Washington, I will not compromise with the left and compromise away our principles," promises Konetchy.  "That's what we've been doing for 40 years.  I want the left to compromise towards us now, and I want to get our principles back."
    
Konetchy is one of four Republicans looking to beat incumbent Democrat Senator Debbie Stabenow.