PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) - Senator Rand Paul made a stop in Pikeville Tuesday to talk to members of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Rand Paul was welcomed with applause as he took the stage at the Chamber lunch.

"It's another part of our strategic plan is to improve the business climate of Eastern Kentucky, and part of that is connecting the business community with our elected representatives," said Chamber President Jared Arnett.

Senator Paul touched on several subjects while speaking to the chamber members, but one subject he really focused on was the issue of minimizing government.

"For every ounce of government you get, you give up one ounce of freedom," he said.

He told the group without minimizing government the country cannot recover from the recession.

"When you go to the gas station and your gas is five dollars a gallon, you have to realize that's caused from big government. That's caused from big government running up deficits and then printing up money to pay for their deficits," said Senator Paul.

Then brought the conversation back to a topic that touches on a more personal level for many Eastern Kentuckians.

"I'm also keenly aware of the president, his hostility towards one of the main industries out here, and that's coal. So I want to let people know I'm still fighting for them," he said.

It was a statement many people in the room were glad to hear.

Mountain News will have much more with Senator Paul on Issues and Answers Monday night at 7:00.