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KALAMAZOO, MI LibertarianLorence Wenke was the final 20th District state Senate candidate to be interviewed by the Kalamazoo Gazette's Editorial Board Thursday.

During the 30-minute public interview, Wenke, a former state Rep. who served the Legislature from 2002-2008, was asked a series of questions by Kalamazoo Gazette Editorial Mickey Ciokajlo on issues ranging from why he chose to break from the Republican Party earlier this year, to whether or not he supports the recent minimum-wage increase that will raise the wage to $9.25 an hour by 2015.

Wenke, 69, said in addition to his well-documented support of gay marriage, Wenke said he also disagrees with recent Republican budget and spending practices, which he said have been "irresponsible." Wenke said government employees don't need pensions and life-long health care since those options are virtually unheard of in the private sector.

State Rep. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo, was interviewed prior to Wenke Thursday and state Rep.Margaret O'Brien went before the editorial board Monday. Both candidates are also seeking election to the 20th District state Senate seat, which covers all of Kalamazoo County.

MORE: See how Wenke and his opponents responded to MLive's Voter Guide questionnaire.

Here are Wenke's responses to 10 questions he was asked by Ciokajlo:

You broke from the Republican Party earlier this year and joined the Libertarian Party. One of the most prominent and often-cited reasons was your difference in position from the GOP on gay marriage, which you support. Are there other major issues on which you differ from the Republican Party?

Wenke said in addition to supporting gay marriage, he also departs with Republicans on budget spending.

"I have come to realize the last to few years when it comes to budget spending in Washington, the Republicans are just as much as part of that as what the other parties are," Wenke said.

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Libertarian Lorence Wenke talks split from GOP, minimum wage during Kalamazoo Gazette Editorial Board interview