Dan Benishek
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Michigan's 1st district
In office
January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2017
Preceded byBart Stupak
Succeeded byJack Bergman
Personal details
Born
Daniel Joseph Benishek

(1952-04-20)April 20, 1952
Iron River, Michigan, U.S.
DiedOctober 15, 2021(2021-10-15) (aged 69)
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJudy Benishek
Children5
RelativesTony Kovaleski (cousin)
EducationUniversity of Michigan (BS)
Wayne State University (MD)

Daniel Joseph Benishek (April 20, 1952 – October 15, 2021)[1] was an American physician and politician who served three terms as the U.S. representative for Michigan's 1st congressional district from 2011 to 2017.[2] He was a member of the Republican Party.

Early life and education

Benishek was born in Iron River, Michigan, in 1952,[3] 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.[4] 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 Bachelor of Science in medicine.[5] From there, he graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1978.

Early career

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Prior to his election to Congress, he was a general surgeon in the Dickinson County Healthcare System.[6] Benishek was inspired to run for Congress after the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law.[7]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2010

Main article: 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 1

Benishek formally announced his candidacy for Congress on March 16, 2010, running against incumbent Democrat Bart Stupak.[6] 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.[8][9] "It's amazing, I just can't believe it," he said regarding the support he has received. "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."[citation needed] The American Spectator called him "The Most Popular Republican in America" on March 21, in the wake of Stupak's yea vote.[10] Stupak announced his retirement on April 9, 2010.[11][12] Benishek won the Republican primary against State Senator Jason Allen by 15 votes.[13]

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.[14]

2012

Main article: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 1

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%.[15] Benishek was re-elected by a margin of 2,297 votes, less than 1% of the total votes cast.[16] Benishek endorsed Herman Cain in the 2012 Republican presidential primary.[17]

2014

Main article: 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 1

Benishek's opponent for the 2014 midterm elections was Democratic nominee Jerry Cannon.[18] In October 2014, the Rothenberg Political Report moved the district from one that "tilts Republican" to "Republican favored."[19] Benishek won reelection with 52% of the vote, which was the closest race for a victorious Republican incumbent in 2014.[20]

2016

Main article: 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 1

After temporarily considering running for a fourth term, Benishek decided not to seek re-election in 2016; he endorsed Republican State Sen. Tom Casperson as his successor.[21]

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.[22] 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.[23] 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."[24] The Senate version, S. 23, passed the Senate and was signed into law by President Obama on March 13, 2014.

Benishek speaks at a reception at the Republican Party headquarters in Bay County

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.[25] The Secretary would be required to act swiftly on such IG reports, with the bill specifying actions to take.[25] The Secretary would also be forbidden from giving any bonuses to managers with unresolved issues.[25][26] Benishek said that the bill targets "bureaucrats in Washington who drag their feet and don't do their jobs."[26]

Political positions

Benishek favored reduced government spending and a smaller government, and was pro-life and pro-gun rights.[27] In 2012, he was endorsed by the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund,[28] and in 2014 received an A+ Grade and continued endorsement.[29] He supported 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.[30] However, in March 2015, Benishek announced he would break that pledge and run for a 4th term.[31] In September 2015, he reverted course, announcing that he would in fact retire at the end of his current term rather than seeing re-election in 2016.[32] In healthcare reform, he supported tort reform and allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines without federal regulation.[33] He opposed federal funding for elective abortions.[34] He supported lower taxes and increased border security.[35] Benishek dismissed the scientific consensus on climate change.[36][37][38]

Personal life and death

Benishek lived with his wife, Judy, in Iron County. They had five children.[39] Investigative journalist Tony Kovaleski is his cousin.[40] Benishek suddenly died on October 15, 2021, at the age of 69 from heart related issues.[41]

Electoral history

Michigan's 1st congressional district Republican primary, August 3, 2010[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Dan Benishek 27,077 38.14
Republican Jason Allen 27,062 38.12
Republican Tom Stillings 5,418 7.63
Republican Linda Goldthorpe 4,980 7.01
Republican Don Hooper 3,969 5.59
Republican Patrick Donlon 2,490 3.51
Total votes 70,996 100.00
Michigan's 1st congressional district general election, November 2, 2010[43]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Dan Benishek 120,523 51.94
Democratic Gary McDowell 94,824 40.87
Independent Glenn Wilson 7,847 3.38
U.S. Taxpayers Patrick Lambert 4,200 1.81
Libertarian Keith Shelton 2,571 1.11
Green Ellis Boal 2,072 0.89
Total votes 232,037 100.00
Michigan's 1st congressional district, 2012[44]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Dan Benishek (incumbent) 167,060 48.1
Democratic Gary McDowell 165,179 47.6
Libertarian Emily Salvette 10,630 3.1
Green Ellis Boal 4,168 1.2
Total votes 347,037 100.0
Republican hold
Michigan's 1st congressional district, 2014[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Dan Benishek (incumbent) 130,414 52.1
Democratic Jerry Cannon 113,263 45.3
Libertarian Loel Gnadt 3,823 1.5
Green Ellis Boal 2,631 1.1
Total votes 250,131 100.0
Republican hold

See also

References

  1. ^ Bunch, Kendall (October 16, 2021). "Former U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek dies at age 69". Upper Michigan's Source. Negaunee, Michigan: WLUC-TV. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
  2. ^ "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 November 11, 2013.
  3. ^ Reichard, John (November 3, 2010). "112th Congress: Dan Benishek, R-Mich. (1st District)". Congressional Quarterly. Retrieved November 7, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Dan Benishek ancestry". Rootsweb. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  5. ^ University of Michigan Alumni Serving in Congress Archived April 17, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, UM Government relations.
  6. ^ a b Hoffman, Lisa (March 16, 2010). "Benishek runs for Congress". Iron Mountain Daily News. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
  7. ^ Burke, Melissa Nann. "Former U.S. Rep. Benishek, who represented northern Michigan and U.P., has died at 69". The Detroit News. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  8. ^ Schaper, David (March 28, 2010). "Yoopers Reserved Over Stupak's 'Yes' Vote". National Public Radio. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
  9. ^ Farnam, T.W. (March 23, 2010). "Stupak Challenger Gains Support". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
  10. ^ McCain, Robert Stacy (March 21, 2010). "Dan Benishek Just Became the Most Popular Republican in America". The American Spectator. Archived from the original on March 24, 2010. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
  11. ^ Davey, Monica (April 9, 2010). "Under Fire for Abortion Deal, Stupak to Retire". The New York Times. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
  12. ^ "Stupak to announce retirement". CNN. April 9, 2010. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
  13. ^ Election results Michigan Government
  14. ^ "Michigan Election Results". The New York Times.
  15. ^ "Michigan 1st Congressional District Survey Results" (PDF). Real Clear Politics. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  16. ^ McGillivary, Brian (November 7, 2012). "Benishek won by less than 1 percent". Traverse City Record Eagle. Archived from the original on July 31, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  17. ^ Mak, Tim (November 5, 2011). "Herman Cain lies low, snags endorsement". Politico. Retrieved November 7, 2011.
  18. ^ "Retired general, Gitmo commander Jerry Cannon to challenge Dan Benishek for U.S. House seat in 2014". August 6, 2013. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
  19. ^ Currier, Craig (October 20, 2014). "Benishek doubles Cannon's campaign bankroll". Petoskey News. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  20. ^ "Don't Call 2014 an Anti-Incumbent Election". November 25, 2014.
  21. ^ Spangler, Todd (January 14, 2016). "U.S. Rep. Benishek endorses Casperson for seat". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  22. ^ "H.R. 163 – Related Bills". United States Congress. February 28, 2014. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  23. ^ "CBO – S. 23". United States Congress. March 25, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  24. ^ Thompson, Carol (March 1, 2014). "Sleeping Bear Dunes legislation moves forward". Traverse City Record-Eagle. Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  25. ^ a b c "H.R. 2072 – Summary". United States Congress. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  26. ^ a b Katz, Eric (August 20, 2013). "Prohibiting VA Senior Exec Bonuses for 5 Years Would Save $18 Million". Government Executive. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  27. ^ CONTRIBUTIONS NOW POURING IN FOR STUPAK'S OPPONENT Archived March 25, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  28. ^ Jonathan Oosting (October 22, 2012). "Rep. Benishek endorsed by NRA, criticized over climate change in Northern Michigan race". mlive.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  29. ^ VanDyke, Todd (September 26, 2014). "The Keweenaw Report". Archived from the original on April 23, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  30. ^ Rothenberg, Stu. "Is Dan Benishek Waffling on Term Limits?". Roll Call. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  31. ^ Spangler, Todd (March 24, 2015). "Despite term-limit pledge, Benishek to seek re-election". Detroit Free Press.
  32. ^ "Dan Benishek to Retire in 2016 (Updated)". Roll Call. September 15, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
  33. ^ "Benishek 2014". danbenishekforcongress.com. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
  34. ^ "Dan Benishek on Abortion". On the Issues. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  35. ^ "Solid Principles Podcast Episode 29". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
  36. ^ Eilperin, Juliet (July 24, 2012). "Environmentalists target 5 Republicans who question humans' impact on climate". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  37. ^ "Benishek questioned on global warming, climate change". October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
  38. ^ "Northern Michigan candidate debates and forums". October 21, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  39. ^ "Benishek 2014". danbenishekforcongress.com. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
  40. ^ Kovaleski, Tony [@TonyKovaleski] (October 17, 2021). "Life is so very special! A sad weekend for my family as we lost my beloved cousin Daniel— "Dr. Dan" to family and friends! I miss you cousin!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 26, 2023 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ "Former U.S. Rep. Benishek, who represented northern Michigan and U.P., has died at 69".
  42. ^ "1st District Representative in Congress 2 Year Term (1) Position". Michigan Department of State. October 6, 2010. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  43. ^ "1st District Representative in Congress 2 Year Term (1) Position". Michigan Department of State. March 2, 2011. Archived from the original on January 29, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
  44. ^ "2012 Michigan House Results". Politico.
  45. ^ "2014 Michigan Official General Election Results - 11/04/2014".

Further reading

External links

U.S. House of Representatives Preceded byBart Stupak Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 1st congressional district 2011–2017 Succeeded byJack Bergman
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan
Authority control databases: People
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