WFXG Fox54 Augusta-Your News One Hour EarlierSenator Jim DeMint speaks to Aiken audience

Hundreds of people gathered around lunch in Aiken today to hear South Carolina Senator, Jim DeMint speak about Washington issues that are having a big impact closer to home, here in the CSRA.

As DeMint took the podium - folks took the opportunity to snap pictures of the man who has represented their interests in the Senate since 2004.

Although he spends much of his time in Washington, he reminded those in attendance that he remembers where he comes from, the Palmetto State, and knows what's important to his neighbors in the CSRA.

"I can't be here without mentioning the Aiken police; I know it's been a tragedy with the Aiken police losing two officers," said DeMint.

Because of DeMint's connection to Washington, many at today's luncheon took the opportunity to get an insider's view on the things that are happening in the nation's capitol.

"When Washington does something, it does it by force and it does it to everyone. It's a top down solution and the more and more Washington has gotten in so many areas of our life the worse it has become," DeMint said.

DeMint also said the bigger our government becomes the bigger our problems will be. 

"That's why we're looking at unemployment, that's why we're frustrated about the future, that's why we've got 16 trillion dollars in federal debt going on 30 because the federal government is trying to do too much," said DeMint.

DeMint also voiced concerns over cutting the military's budget, "Where they're going from there is to cut military, the primary function of the federal government is defense. It's not education, it's not healthcare it's not transportation, it is defense."

Before heading back to Washington the Senator promised residents he will continue to represent the interests of South Carolina in the Senate.

DeMint was just re-elected to represent South Carolina in the Senate; he will serve for at least five more years.