Dan Benishek: Difference between revisions
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===Political positions=== |
===Political positions=== |
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Benishek favors reduced government spending and a smaller government, and is [[pro-life]] and pro-gun rights.<ref>[http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article/News/National_News/CONTRIBUTIONS_NOW_POURING_IN_FOR_STUPAKS_OPPONENT/28650 CONTRIBUTIONS NOW POURING IN FOR STUPAK’S OPPONENT] {{ |
Benishek favors reduced government spending and a smaller government, and is [[pro-life]] and pro-gun rights.<ref>[http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article/News/National_News/CONTRIBUTIONS_NOW_POURING_IN_FOR_STUPAKS_OPPONENT/28650 CONTRIBUTIONS NOW POURING IN FOR STUPAK’S OPPONENT] {{wayback|url=http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article/News/National_News/CONTRIBUTIONS_NOW_POURING_IN_FOR_STUPAKS_OPPONENT/28650 |date=20100325191307 }}</ref> He supports [[Term limits in the United States|term limits]] and said before he was elected in 2010, "I am happy to tell voters I strongly favor term limits. Three terms and you’re retired seems about right to me." He was also a signatory to a pledge by [[U.S. Term Limits]] that would impose a three-term limit on Congressmen.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.rollcall.com/rothenblog/is-dan-benishek-waffling-on-term-limits/ |title=Is Dan Benishek Waffling on Term Limits? |author= Stu Rothenberg |publisher=Roll Call |accessdate=11 September 2012}}</ref> However, in March 2015, Benishek announced he would break that pledge and run for a 4th term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/03/24/benishek-running/70389148/| title=Despite term-limit pledge, Benishek to seek re-election|last=Spangler|first=Todd|publisher=Detroit Free Press|date=March 24, 2015}}</ref> In September 2015, he announced that we would in fact retire at the end of his current term rather than seeing re-election in 2016.<ref>[http://atr.rollcall.com/dan-benishek-retire-2016/?dcz= Dan Benishek to Retire in 2016]</ref> In healthcare reform, he supports [[tort reform]] and allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines without federal regulation.<ref>[http://danbenishekforcongress.com/issues/ Official website – Issues]</ref> He opposes federal funding for [[elective abortion]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/MI/Dan_Benishek_Abortion.htm |title=Dan Benishek on Abortion |publisher=[[On the Issues]] |date= |accessdate=2013-11-11}}</ref> He supports lower taxes and increased border security.<ref>[http://www.solidprinciples.com/index.php/podcast/episode-29/ Solid Principles Podcast Episode 29.]</ref> Benishek dismisses the [[scientific consensus on climate change]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/environmentalists-target-5-republicans-who-question-humans-impact-on-climate/2012/07/23/gJQAHqJD5W_story.html |title=Environmentalists target 5 Republicans who question humans’ impact on climate |author= Juliet Eilperin |work=The Washington Post |publisher= |accessdate=21 October 2012 |date=July 24, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://abc10up.com/benishek-questioned-on-global-warming-climate-change/ |title=Benishek questioned on global warming, climate change |accessdate=12 October 2014 |date=October 7, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://interlochenpublicradio.org/post/northern-michigan-candidate-debates-and-forums |title=Northern Michigan candidate debates and forums |accessdate=22 October 2014 |date=October 21, 2014}}</ref> |
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==Caucus Memberships== |
==Caucus Memberships== |
Revision as of 20:11, 30 January 2016
Dan Benishek | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 1st district | |
Assumed office January 3, 2011 | |
Preceded by | Bart Stupak |
Personal details | |
Born | Daniel Joseph Benishek April 20, 1952 Iron River, Michigan |
Nationality | American |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Judy Benishek[1] |
Children | 5 children[1] |
Residence | Crystal Falls, Michigan |
Alma mater | University of Michigan |
Occupation | Surgeon |
Website | Official website |
Daniel Joseph "Dan" Benishek (born April 20, 1952) is an American physician and politician who has been the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 1st congressional district since January 2011.[2] He is a member of the Republican Party.
Early life, education, and medical career
Benishek was born in Iron River, Michigan in 1952,[1] the son of Helen (née Kovaleski) and Joseph Benishek. Three of his paternal great-grandparents were Bohemian (Czech) immigrants, while his maternal grandparents were Polish immigrants.[3] His father was killed in local iron mines in 1957, so Benishek was raised by his widowed mother and extended family. He worked in the family business, the Iron River Hotel, until he went to college. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1974 with a degree in biology. From there, he graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1978. Prior to his election to Congress, he was a general surgeon in the Dickinson County Healthcare System.[4]
U.S. House of Representatives elections
2010 election
Benishek formally announced his candidacy for Congress on March 16, 2010, running against incumbent Democrat Bart Stupak.[4] Stupak's vote in support of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act fueled an outpouring of support for Benishek, who had no Internet presence aside from a basic website on the day the bill was passed. He received more than $50,000 in unsolicited donations in the first 48 hours after Stupak's vote for the bill on March 21, 2010.[5][6] "It's amazing, I just can't believe it," he said regarding the support he has gotten. "I need to use this momentum to repeal this health care bill and I'm going to do it. We're going to take over, the Republicans are going to regain the House of Representatives and we're going to repeal this health care bill."[7] The American Spectator called him "The Most Popular Republican in America" on March 21, in the wake of Stupak's yea vote.[8] Stupak announced his retirement on April 9, 2010.[9][10] Benishek won the Republican primary against State Senator Jason Allen by 15 votes.[11]
On November 2, 2010, in the general election, Dan Benishek defeated Democratic nominee State Representative Gary McDowell, Independent Glenn Wilson, Libertarian Keith Shelton, Green Ellis Boal, and UST Patrick Lambert. Benishek was sworn into office on January 5, 2011, as a member of the 112th United States Congress; he succeeded Bart Stupak.[12]
2012 election
Benishek faced re-election against McDowell in the 2012 election cycle. A September 20, 2012 Public Policy Polling poll showed the race as a statistical dead heat, with McDowell leading Benishek 44% to 42%.[13] Benishek was re-elected by a margin of 2,297 votes, less than 1% of the total votes cast.[14] Benishek endorsed Herman Cain in the 2012 Republican presidential primary.[15]
2014 election
Benishek's opponent for the 2014 midterm elections was Democratic nominee Jerry Cannon.[16] In October 2014, the Rothenberg Political Report moved the district from one that "tilts Republican" to one that is now "Republican favored."[17] Benishek won re-election with 52% of the vote.
U.S. House of Representatives
Committee assignments
Legislation sponsored
On January 4, 2013, Benishek introduced H.R. 163, a bill identical to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act (S. 23; 113th Congress), which was introduced into the U.S. Senate by Carl Levin.[18] The bill would designate as wilderness about 32,500 acres of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the state of Michigan. The newly designated lands and inland waterways would comprise the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness, a new component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.[19] Benishek expressed his pleasure that the bill "was developed locally," describing it as "the ideal way federal land management should occur, with input from the local communities."[20] The Senate version, S. 23, passed the Senate and was signed into law by President Obama on March 13, 2014.
On May 21, 2013, Benishek introduced the Demanding Accountability for Veterans Act of 2013 (H.R. 2072; 113th Congress), a bill that would require the Inspector General (IG) of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take additional action if the VA has not appropriately responded to an IG report that recommends actions to be taken by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to address a VA public health or safety issue.[21] The Secretary would be required to act swiftly on such IG reports, with the bill specifying actions to take.[21] The Secretary would also be forbidden from giving any bonuses to managers with unresolved issues.[21][22] Benishek said that the bill targets "bureaucrats in Washington who drag their feet and don't do their jobs."[22]
Political positions
Benishek favors reduced government spending and a smaller government, and is pro-life and pro-gun rights.[23] He supports term limits and said before he was elected in 2010, "I am happy to tell voters I strongly favor term limits. Three terms and you’re retired seems about right to me." He was also a signatory to a pledge by U.S. Term Limits that would impose a three-term limit on Congressmen.[24] However, in March 2015, Benishek announced he would break that pledge and run for a 4th term.[25] In September 2015, he announced that we would in fact retire at the end of his current term rather than seeing re-election in 2016.[26] In healthcare reform, he supports tort reform and allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines without federal regulation.[27] He opposes federal funding for elective abortions.[28] He supports lower taxes and increased border security.[29] Benishek dismisses the scientific consensus on climate change.[30][31][32]
Caucus Memberships
- Congressional Cement Caucus[33]
Personal life
Benishek lives with his wife Judy in Iron County. They have five children. They also have four grandchildren.[34]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Reichard, John (November 3, 2010). "112th Congress: Dan Benishek, R-Mich. (1st District)". Congressional Quarterly. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
- ^ "CRYSTAL-FALLS, Michigan (MI) Political Contributions by Individuals – Donations to Congress, local, or national races, Republican or Democrat and other candidates". City-data.com. Retrieved 2013-11-11.
- ^ "Dan Benishek ancestry". Rootsweb. Retrieved 2013-11-11.
- ^ a b Hoffman, Lisa (March 16, 2010). "Benishek runs for Congress". Iron Mountain Daily News. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
- ^ Schaper, David (March 28, 2010). "Yoopers Reserved Over Stupak's 'Yes' Vote". National Public Radio. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
- ^ Farnam, T.W. (March 23, 2010). "Stupak Challenger Gains Support". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
- ^ A boost for Benishek
- ^ Robert Stacy McCain (March 21, 2010). "Dan Benishek Just Became the Most Popular Republican in America". The American Spectator. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - ^ Davey, Monica (2010-04-09). "Under Fire for Abortion Deal, Stupak to Retire". The New York Times. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Stupak to announce retirement". CNN. April 9, 2010. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ Election results Michigan Government
- ^ "Michigan Election Results". The New York Times.
- ^ "Michigan 1st Congressional District Survey Results" (PDF). Real Clear Politics. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- ^ McGillivary, Brian (7 November 2012). "Benishek won by less than 1 percent". Traverse City Record Eagle. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- ^ Tim Mak (5 November 2011). "Herman Cain lies low, snags endorsement". Politico. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
- ^ http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/08/retired_general_jerry_cannon_t.html
- ^ Currier, Craig (20 October 2014). "Benishek doubles Cannon's campaign bankroll". Petoskey News. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ^ "CBO – S. 23". United States Congress. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
- ^ Thompson, Carol (1 March 2014). "Sleeping Bear Dunes legislation moves forward". Traverse City Record-Eagle. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
- ^ a b c "H.R. 2072 – Summary". United States Congress. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
- ^ a b Katz, Eric (20 August 2013). "Prohibiting VA Senior Exec Bonuses for 5 Years Would Save $18 Million". Government Executive. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
- ^ CONTRIBUTIONS NOW POURING IN FOR STUPAK’S OPPONENT Template:Wayback
- ^ Stu Rothenberg. "Is Dan Benishek Waffling on Term Limits?". Roll Call. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
- ^ Spangler, Todd (March 24, 2015). "Despite term-limit pledge, Benishek to seek re-election". Detroit Free Press.
- ^ Dan Benishek to Retire in 2016
- ^ Official website – Issues
- ^ "Dan Benishek on Abortion". On the Issues. Retrieved 2013-11-11.
- ^ Solid Principles Podcast Episode 29.
- ^ Juliet Eilperin (July 24, 2012). "Environmentalists target 5 Republicans who question humans' impact on climate". The Washington Post. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
- ^ "Benishek questioned on global warming, climate change". October 7, 2014. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
- ^ "Northern Michigan candidate debates and forums". October 21, 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
- ^ "The Cement Caucus". America's Cement Manufacturers. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ About Dan Benishek
Further reading
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
External links
- Congressman Dan Benishek official U.S. House site
- Benishek for Congress
- Dan Benishek at Curlie
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- 1952 births
- American people of Czech descent
- American people of Polish descent
- American surgeons
- Living people
- Members of the United States House of Representatives from Michigan
- Michigan Republicans
- University of Michigan alumni
- Wayne State University alumni
- Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives
- People from Iron River, Michigan