Former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) is facing a tough push-back in his Senate race to challenge Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, after he called for the creation of a national office to examine presidential candidates' birth certificates.

Hoekstra, his primary opponent Clark Durant and Stabenow appeared at a candidate forum Wednesday hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber's political action committee, during which they took questions separately.

The Grand Rapids Press reports:

Hoekstra, fresh of a CNN interview on the same topic, grew loud as he tried to quiet controversy resulting from his idea to create a federal office that would verify the qualifications of political candidates. "This is an absolutely ludicrous discussion to be having four years after a presidential (election)," Hoekstra said at a near shout. "It is an absolute waste of time and energy."