Benishek won’t seek fourth term in Congress

Republican Rep. Dan Benishek stated Tuesday that he won’t search re-election subsequent yr, a shocking announcement that would imply a aggressive race for his Northern Michigan seat.

The 63-year-old says since he’s not seeking re-election he’ll be able to focus on helping veterans and others in the Northern Michigan district, as well as spend more time with his family.

He said he would serve only three House terms when he was first elected in 2010.

The open seat in Michigan’s 1st Congressional district, which covers the Upper Peninsula and roughly the northern third of the Lower Peninsula, will likely create a contentious race.

There are two Democratic candidates running in the district, Jerry Cannon, a retired military general and former Kalkaska County sheriff, and former Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lon Johnson. I want to thank all of the people throughout the 1st District that had faith in me and allowed me to represent them.

Cannon, who came within 7 percentage points past year of defeating Benishek, said Benishek is doing the “right thing” for his constituents.

Another Republican who said he is considering running is state Rep. Pete Pettalia, R-Presque Isle, who said he was not surprised that Benishek changed his mind and said that “a multitude of groups” have been asking him to run.

“I’m focused on building upon the grassroots momentum I’ve already received in order to make the U.P. and Northern Michigan a place where our families can stay and succeed”.

“On behalf of all Michiganders, I thank the congressman for his lifetime of service and dedication to our state. I appreciate Dr. Dan’s commonsense approach to governing, his leadership on veterans issues, and his passion for the Great Lakes and for our state”. He is the father of a daughter who is a veteran. Jason Allen of Traverse City, the state’s senior deputy director for veterans affairs; state Sen. In 2012, Benishek defeated Democratic challenger Gary McDowell by fewer than 2,300 votes. Another GOP member of the Michigan delegation, House Administration Committee Chairwoman Candice Miller, also plans not to seek reelection.

He said he’d seek a fourth term in March.