Hovde says ethics, morals and standards eroding - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Republican Senate candidate and hedge fund manager Eric Hovde says the country's ethics, morals and standards are eroding and he's the best one to make courageous and principled decisions.

Hovde spoke Saturday at the Republican Party of Wisconsin convention.

This is Hovde's first race for public office and it pits him against former Gov. Tommy Thompson, state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald and former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann. The primary winner will advance to face Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin.

Hovde largely avoided talking about specific issues in the race, and instead spoke in generalities about his vision. He says the country faces moral and economic collapse, and action must be taken quickly to stop it or the American dream will be lost.