Meet Bart Stupak’s Republican challenger
posted at 8:18 pm on March 22, 2010 by Allahpundit
He’s got a donation page now, his Facebook site is humming with 16,000 fans and counting, and he’s suddenly getting calls from the RNC. And yet.
Benishek, who has never run for office, doesn’t have a campaign Web site (for now, a Facebook page that has increased from 700 to 14,000 followers will do) or staff for that matter (his wife is taking press calls while he searches for a campaign manager). But by late last night, the RNC had stepped in and set up a PayPal account for him so he could raise money online.
“I didn’t have an online way to get any money, so they were all upset with me. But I got something up finally late last night and I don’t know, it’s just been unbelievable, the support,” Benishek said. “I’m not sure if it’s support for me or just hatred for Bart Stupak. But a lot of people saw what I stood for on Facebook, at least, and seemed to connect with that, with my bio and position statement, so I was overwhelmed by the support.”…
Benishek concedes he has got his work cut out for him, as he’s just getting started introducing himself to the voters. “The people have to vote for me,” he explained. “Not the people who write me and say stuff about me on the blogs in Arizona … I certainly appreciate that and I certainly appreciate the financial help, but I have to still communicate with the constituents here.”
Benishek said it’s been “daunting” because he’s “been getting a lot of advice from people, contradictory advice.” “So that’s been a little bit of a problem. I don’t know exactly how to proceed. I just have to give it my best judgment and move forward,” he said.
I wish him all the luck in the world but … he sounds green, even by the standards of first-time candidates. Stupak may be a fraud and/or a chump but he’s a savvy enough pol to have had the media eating out of his hand during his months-long “will I or won’t I?” kabuki. The district does lean slightly Republican, according to the Cook Report, but Stupak’s won every general election there since 1992 by double digits and the last seven by no less than 19 points. Even with the new scrutiny and his pro-life betrayal, he’ll be tough to beat, and yet Benishek didn’t think to hire staff or lay the groundwork for a Stupak “sellout” narrative — or even open a PayPal account! — while all the abortion sturm and drang was going on. The Daily Caller piece makes it sound like he’s running on a lark, which is fine and fun (so is Mickey Kaus, for instance) but perhaps something to weigh when deciding whether to send him your money. Presumably the RNC’s weighing right now whether he’s got enough of a shot that it’s worth sending people up there to help him. Keep an eye on them to see how serious they are about him before getting your hopes up. Or don’t. It’s your money.
Exit question: Remember how, every two years, the righty blogosphere would get all excited about whoever was challenging Jack Murtha and then inevitably he or she would get crushed? Just asking.
Blowback
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So I just had to google the color of puce! (Wow, that is fun to say!) And:
The word comes from French; puce literally means “flea”, as the usual flea coloration is either dark reddish-brown or dark purplish-brown; specifically, it is the color of the belly of a flea.
Fitting, no? Well done!!
outwestdownsouth on March 22, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Heard this fellow on the Levin program today. He does have a deer in the headlight feel, but says he started running because of the bailout and stimulus bills. He couldn’t believe that a Congress person would sign a bill he/she didn’t read so decided to run. He thinks that it would be a honor to be able to vote representing his district (what a novel concept). Sounds like just the type of person we need in Congress. What’s not to like?
whbates on March 22, 2010 at 10:49 PM
party pooper. lol
Yitzchokm on March 22, 2010 at 10:50 PM
I know this is OT, but is Keith Olberman teched in the haid?
bloggless on March 22, 2010 at 10:59 PM
See I told you… Puce fits Stupak perfectly and the color hardly ever comes up in coversation.. There.. I got to say it again!
kringeesmom on March 22, 2010 at 10:59 PM
Dr. Benishek was caught off guard. I’m sure he had no clue that he would of been throwen into the spotlight like this. He was on his facebook not long after Stupak made his decision. He was interacting with those already signed up. Give him a few weeks, he’ll improve this is who we need representing we the people.
Brat4life on March 22, 2010 at 11:00 PM
You do realize I will now always think “puce” when I see Stupak. Perfect.
Here’s to hoping Benishek’s the real deal and there are 218 more just like him out there.
outwestdownsouth on March 22, 2010 at 11:16 PM
AP, I think you need to take a vacation Up North – and to the U.P.- to help you snap out of what sounds like an elitist attitude. For real. Go. It’s a beautiful place – both above and below the bridge – you’ll understand what that means after you talk to the people up there. You’ll also understand that Dr. Benishek has a very real chance of defeating Stupak. Very real indeed.
p.s. Don’t forget to enjoy some fudge and some pasties…it’s not what you think.
redwhiteblue on March 22, 2010 at 11:20 PM
I like his bio on FB, Dr. Benishek sounds like a good conservative to me!
A Tennessee farmer Stephen Fincher, fed up with congress and upset over the Bailouts & Stimulus, decided to run against John Tanner (D-TN). Tanner announced his retirement after Fincher raised a lot of money in his first month fundraisers.
It’s time for real people in DC and past time for the stale, out-of-touch critters to go.
TN Mom on March 22, 2010 at 11:27 PM
I have (distant from Detroit) Michigan relatives also. From my experiences in rural Northern Michigan I can confirm that Dan Benishek will be the kind of guy who resonates with the ordinary Upper Peninsula voter.
He is worth getting behind because he is a down-the-line solid conservative when you examine his positions on his Facebook page. God bless the guy for taking a stand and go give him your generous and cheerful support, financial and otherwise.
Edouard on March 22, 2010 at 11:30 PM
Yes AP you should go. Mellow you out. Spent most of my honeymoon near the big Mac (bridge). Fudge, beautiful water and sand beaches, Potowatamis (real Indians), early really early American history (Pere Marquette) Taquamenon Falls etc. Good for Dr. Benishak. Vet him well and lets support him. (and all these compliments from an Ohioan)
AReadyRepub on March 22, 2010 at 11:32 PM
My Advice to Mr Benishek would be this:
Buy some suits, it will enhance your “gravitas”
Talk about being an “outsider” at every opportunity (watch Mr Smith goes to Washington, take notes).
Tour Detroit, shake your head and say, “What they have done to this city is such a shame–I intend to change that”.
Make lawn signs saying, “Vote for truth, vote Benishek” (people hate liars, and they know that their current Congressman is something of a Rube.
Attend every Tea Party you can in America, playing up your opposition to the man who foisted Healthcare–watch the money roll in like it did with Scott Brown.
darkmetal on March 22, 2010 at 11:37 PM
Scott Brown might have been unknown but he wasn’t a newbie. He had already won state senate seat and had the deck stacked against him even before this. Actually he really hit the ground running in the senate race too. I mean I was leaving Town Spa (a popular local pizza place) right at the beginning of everything and the guy already had a volunteer outside collecting signatures to get in the primary. (In the first day or 2.) He had his stuff together and was ready to run on day 1 which is impressive. (This guy needs to get his stuff together if he wants any chance.)
Dave_d on March 22, 2010 at 11:45 PM
There is a saying about advice and opinions being like a certain part of the body that everyone has and it always stinks…
And just to point out how something as simple as a suit can have different meanings…the only time a guy wears a suit Up North is if he’s going to a funeral. Additionally, no Yooper in his right mind would venture downstate just to tour Detroit. Everyone already knows just how bad it is.
redwhiteblue on March 22, 2010 at 11:51 PM
kringeesmom on March 22, 2010 at 11:52 PM
kringeesmom on March 22, 2010 at 11:55 PM
Question to candidate Benishek at Town Hall Meeting:
Q. Dr. B. Do you now, or have you ever surgically removed tonsils, or amputated feet for profit?
If he answers no…. write the man a check.
kringeesmom on March 22, 2010 at 11:58 PM
redwhiteblue on March 22, 2010 at 11:20 PM
AP, I think you need to take a vacation Up North – and to the U.P.- to help you snap out of what sounds like an elitist attitude. For real. Go. It’s a beautiful place – both above and below the bridge – you’ll understand what that means after you talk to the people up there. You’ll also understand that Dr. Benishek has a very real chance of defeating Stupak. Very real indeed.
So true! It truly is beautiful, and the real people live up there! He can win.
shar61 on March 23, 2010 at 12:01 AM
I sent him money. I like real people and generally trust surgeons married with five kids. His bio was very conservative and the primary is not until August. A little green on Levin but piped up that he had read Liberty and Tyranny (well listened) so he is good by me. Polish will come. He was called to serve. God Bless, Dr. Dan.
Buckeye Babe on March 23, 2010 at 12:18 AM
Hand-wringing has been raised to an art form around here. The guy is green and the incumbent will be tough. Oh my! I’ve got news for you, whether or not the GOP sends people up to help him or not isn’t the make or break aspect of it. This guy is going to have help from around the country that will outweigh anything the GOP can bring. Remember, the GOP is usually late to the party and often picks the wrong person. Citizens are going to lead the way this time. Handwringers will have to step aside.
exceller on March 23, 2010 at 12:26 AM
Pasties! Nothing like grabbing a couple for a picnic on the Lake Superior shoreline! With a couple beers of course.
Agreed on Benishek possibly being just what is needed to win. Genuine salt of the earth types will win there over a slick polished spinmeister, and it sounds like he fits the bill.
My parents are from there. Mom was from Hancock. Dad was from Houghton. They had to move to Illinois for work after dad graduated from Tech, but much of my family stayed there. We went for a couple weeks every summer and for Christmas every winter as kids to visit family there. Much of the family has passed away, but my Grandma is still hanging on in Houghton, and I still try to make it up there once a year. Some of my best memories are from up there, and some of the best people I’ve met are there too. They certainly deserve better than what Stupak just delivered.
stldave on March 23, 2010 at 12:31 AM
Green candidates dont get paid off as fast or as reliably as old rascals that have been there as long.
Incumbency is almost insurance that a payoff will be money well spent. A wave of freshman house reps that have more principles than “savvy” may be just what we need.
Maybe Ryan can hold classes, got to be better than what Rangel, Pelosi, Hoyer and Stupak would teach.
Opportunity Costs on March 23, 2010 at 1:29 AM
I dunno. I gave him some money. Lets see what he does with it.
crosspatch on March 23, 2010 at 1:36 AM
WTF, wasn’t this nation founded on the idea of ordinary Americans running for office and serving their fellow citizens? This is what is wrong with this country: Politics has become a career, something you’re groomed and trained for. People spend their entire working lives as professional pols. We need more people like this guy, not fewer. Yeah, yeah, I know: Politics is a rough business, and the press isn’t kind either. Well, I don’t know how we start reversing those trends unless ordinary Joes like this Benishek guy find some courage and start tossing their hats in the ring.
He’ll certainly be getting a donation from me.
NoLeftTurn on March 23, 2010 at 1:53 AM
Teeth gnashers, too.
NoLeftTurn on March 23, 2010 at 2:00 AM
Suits won’t help him up here. You have to remember, many people have been his patients. But I see he’s changed his FB pic. Hey, anyone running against Kagan yet? I’m on the Wisconsin side of the UP border.
qestout on March 23, 2010 at 5:56 AM
Wow. I read AllahPundit and think, “Really? Is this where we’re at now? No more Mr. Smiths need apply? Only ‘seasoned’ politicians can do the job?’
I was listening to Hugh Hewitt and he was giving sound advice. People calling wanting to get involved and run at the grassroots level. They are encouraged by the fervor of pushback to the actions Congress and the WH have done. There is money coming in and they’re trying to figure out the lay of the land. This is EXACTLY the kind of thingAce was talking about.
It’s just so sad to read Hot Air supports the Political Science as something akin to getting a doctor’s license and anointed or knighted by the elites. Very sad the Joe the Plumber types who callout Socialists for who they are unlike the ‘seasoned’ politicians who call them nice and tiptoe around the obvious just aren’t as ‘qualified’ for Hot Air’s taste.
Sultry Beauty on March 23, 2010 at 6:41 AM
Jack Murtha is so beatable this year.
Seriously though, isn’t the requirement to be a professional politician before being taken seriously part of the problem? Are you saying that you can’t successfully run for public office from novice status? I’d think the bigger concern is being eaten alive by the political class once Benishek gets to DC than questioning his fitness for office in the first place.
highhopes on March 23, 2010 at 7:18 AM
Yeah, well that won’t exactly be happening this time now will it?
CC
CapedConservative on March 23, 2010 at 7:24 AM
If this guy isn’t good enough, other potential Republicans do have until May 11 to get their names on the ballot.
http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2010/2010pdates.pdf
Republicans hold a majority in the Michigan State Senate, and have a decent amount of State Representatives, so they have pools of qualified candidates, should Benishek be uncompetitive.
Mister Mets on March 23, 2010 at 7:49 AM
It seems to me that the problem with Benishek is that he hasn’t done some very basic work necessary for campaigns. He has no campaign website outside of facebook, and he had no avenue for accepting donations until very recently.
It’s possible he’ll get better as the campaign progresses, the (R) next to his name will be all that matters in a general election and/ or the RNC will provide sufficient support.
But conservatives who want Republicans to retake the house have some cause for concern with this guy.
Mister Mets on March 23, 2010 at 7:54 AM
I can’t help it- every time I see him leaning against that wall, I think of Steve Martin in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The scene starts around the 3:00 mark. A great scene from a great film, IMO.
Scott P on March 23, 2010 at 7:59 AM
He may be green but so what. His only alternative is to vote his conscience rather than what is the most politically expedient.
Maybe that’s what we need as first envisioned by the founding fathers – citizen representatives who will feel it’s an honor to serve for a short duration and then return home.
Stupak has proven one thing – he either isn’t a man who can stand by his convictions or he’s a pathological liar like his mentor Obama.
iamsaved on March 23, 2010 at 8:26 AM
It is the unfortunate case of complacency we have in a majority of this country where democrats are the monopoly that any challenging candidates are virtually ignored and accepted as lost causes because the democrat power machine is too entrenched. I look at my beautiful city of Washington, D.C. and see how we’ve been run down by a city government polluted by democrats as long as I can remember. And no matter how pathetic, corrupt, incompetent they are no republican candidates are ever given a chance to govern or fix the mess in this city. So things go on just the same with no change in sight. I hope the same mistake that was made with Doug Hoffman in New York doesn’t happen again where he wasn’t taken seriously as a candidate until it was too late. I don’t know anything about Mr. Benishek and I guess he needs to be vetted also, but Stupak deserves to be kicked out of office. So the RNC should see if they can help this person out and not let Stupak walk away with this race.
mozalf on March 23, 2010 at 8:37 AM
So true! Look what the GOP did to Indiana. We have Behney, a true TEAPartier, who also is inexperienced but passionate about FREEDOM. What does the GOP send us? Coates, the consummate beltway retread. Citizens must lead the way!
indypat on March 23, 2010 at 8:40 AM
I guess AP would prefer that Specter or even Scozzafava move to Michigan and run for that seat. Their type suits him much better.
Extrafishy on March 23, 2010 at 8:54 AM
Late to the thread, but if anyone is still hanging around:
Doc Dan doesn’t need suits. They don’t work up here.
There are right around 300,000 people in the entire UP and probably as many in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan portion of District 1.
If Doc Dan wears fishing waders or jeans to talk to the people he will do just fine. Believe it.
The anger being directed toward Stupak up here could be cut with a knife. Doc will do just fine when he gets out of the national spotlight and starts talking straight with the people he has lived among and treated all these years.
There is probably more money flowing into Crystal Falls at this moment than there have seen since the mines closed. It will take a little time to absorb the sudden change.
We are simple people. We will handle it with simple means. :-)
Yoop on March 23, 2010 at 9:32 AM
Maybe so, but all people are seeing now is the red on Stupak’s hands.
labrat on March 23, 2010 at 9:45 AM
Allahpundit:
Would you STOP being such a little black raincloud? Do you get some sort of sadistic pleasure in kicking us when we’re down?
Seriously, dude, you need to work on your motivational writing. I hope you don’t write campaign speeches for anyone: “Well, we’re probably going to lose and conservatives have made lots of mistakes too, but vote for me!”
I genuinely appreciate your desire to bring reason and reality to every discussion, but you’re killing me with all this pessimism. You do see SOME cause for hope, right? Or should we all just give up now?
Animator Girl on March 23, 2010 at 10:07 AM
There are some areas in America that are not yet homogenized. Michigan’s 1st District is one of them. As I’ve suggested to AP, a trip Up North – and across the bridge – is highly recommended before offering your insight about Dr. Benishek and who might best represent the good people of Northern Michigan. Enjoy the water, air, people, wildlife, and food… then I’ll betcha you’ll have a new attitude.
redwhiteblue on March 23, 2010 at 10:23 AM
Exactly. Bart played with us. He will not get the chance to do that again after November. Yoopers will get it done. :-)
Yoop on March 23, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Yep. I was just thinking about how the media is likely to descend upon Crystal Falls and how tourism will increase once people see this beautiful slice of America. Imagine – traffic jams on the Mighty Mac – ha!
redwhiteblue on March 23, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Gee, what a novel idea! An ordinary citizen running for office instead of a political hack. Who would have thunk it? Perhaps our Founding Fathers?
Hopefully AP, you’ll be writing that sentence a lot.
moonsbreath on March 23, 2010 at 10:41 AM
I know you will! If the Fudgies get too obnoxious, just put them on a small boat in Gitche Gumee…and send Stupak out there too!
I’ll be rootin’ for you guys. Stay strong!
redwhiteblue on March 23, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Just donated to Dr. B. I wish I could be a fly on the wall at Stupidarse office today…heh heh. Good luck Dr. B.!
sicoit on March 23, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Allah, remember, we may have lost this battle but we will win this WAR!
sicoit on March 23, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Why would we want to elect a reluctant politician who just cares about doing what’s right?
That’d be like… George Washington.
hawksruleva on March 23, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Back in 1994, in our district, we had a dentist Charlie Norwood decide to run for congress. His own wife thought he was nuts. He was running against a Freshman Democrat. He still won by a 31 point margin. He was the first Republican elected from our district since post Civil War. He stayed in until he passed away in 2007.
jeannie on March 23, 2010 at 11:06 AM
If the RNC is smart (and I have seen very little evidence that it is) they will get someone up to the UP and run this guy’s campaign.
Or if this guy is just a loon,they should recruit someone who A: Will run a serious campaign and B: is a conservative
jpmn on March 23, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Or, maybe Sarah Palin could just go.
redwhiteblue on March 23, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Guys, there’s THREE candidates to replace Kathy Dahlkemper here in PA-3. I will re-read what I found and see if they’re on FB and/or Twitter. From there, we’ll pick the best of the best.
She’s just repeating what Stupak has said already, nothing else. I am sick of this. One of the usual DC letters went straight to the trash. That brought me sweet November thoughts.
ProudPalinFan on March 23, 2010 at 11:31 AM
Why do you think Dahlkemper’s been had as well? She’s a rookie Democrat. Pfffttt.
ProudPalinFan on March 23, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Stupak was either duped, he just does not get it, or he foolishly believes that a Presidential Order can overide laws enacted by Congress.
It is Congress that passes laws and the President signs them into laws. If the President vetoes such laws, then Congress will override the veto if possible.
That is how I understand the process. Correct me if I am wrong here.
The False Dervish on March 23, 2010 at 11:36 AM
BTW-
Perhaps it was getting that money for the airports that Stupek was thinking about? When was that money given to him?
Just wondering….
The False Dervish on March 23, 2010 at 11:38 AM
This guy is not a loon but a highly respected Pediatric and General surgeon who has been in practice for 32 years. He lives in Crystal Falls but his practice is in Iron Mountain and he operates at the hospital there.
Thanks for your thoughtful input.
Yoop on March 23, 2010 at 11:40 AM
If I was him I would not get any help from the RNC who are hellbent on destroying the constitution. LOOK AT WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO RAND PAUL IN KENTUCKY!
WHAT SAY YOU NEOCONS WHO BLAST PATRIOTS LIKE RON AND RAND PAUL AND THINK PALIN IS YOUR SOLUTION?!?!?!?
BobAnthony on March 23, 2010 at 12:12 PM
Allah,
Since the new ownership took over you seem to be about a half bubble off your game, or are we just now seeing the real you? I don’t like it. We need a lot more people like this guy assuming he’s not an axe murderer or something like that. I would much rather vote for someone who isn’t already corrupt and needs to learn the system than an experienced crook.
New Patriot on March 23, 2010 at 12:13 PM
OK, I didn’t know Jack Murtha. Indeed, Jack Murtha was not a freind of mine. But this much I know: Representative Stupak is no Jack Murtha!
There is plenty of time for Benishek to get things together. Maybe he needs to get a truck? An F-150, perhaps?
EconomicNeocon on March 23, 2010 at 1:03 PM
Crushed or not this is the type of person we need. He feels a calling, other than greed. He is the new face of the GOP, and that face is fresh, green and uncorrupted.
DFCtomm on March 23, 2010 at 1:34 PM
Very well said–though I must admit, if we must put up with eeyores–Allah is the best…
I know I can always turn to him to tell us to keep our chin up, forge ahead, and don’t give up hope. /sarc
lovingmyUSA on March 23, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Maybe cause not only is your hero a certifiable nutcase, but mostly now because he changed his vote!!! Kiss of death to his career, and thank you for alerting me to this…I just donated to Grayson…
lovingmyUSA on March 23, 2010 at 1:43 PM
Headline has Levin’s interview with Benishek…
lovingmyUSA on March 23, 2010 at 1:45 PM
Whatever we do don’t get suckered in by a Trojan Horse third party candidate (likely funded by the Demonrats) sent in to siphon off conservative votes.
Yephora on March 23, 2010 at 1:51 PM
P/U truck won’t matter in District 1. That’s the most common mode of transportation, followed closely by big 4WD SUV’s. We do get a bit of snow here.
I’m pretty sure Doc Dan already has a pickup, or a Jeep. He’s hunts and fishes and is pro-gun.
Yoop on March 23, 2010 at 1:57 PM
Amen, amen and say it again brother!
MississippiMom on March 23, 2010 at 3:38 PM
If this is a republican leaning district I can’t see Stupak having a chance after the health care ficasco. If you make a national figure out of yourself like Stupak did and then chicken out you are probably toast.
duff65 on March 23, 2010 at 4:45 PM
OK, no truck. But you get the idea. Something that gets the voters’ attention and generates name recognition.
Take the thread title here: Meet Bart Stupak’s Republican challenger
That needs to stop. It needs to be: Meet Dan Benishek or Meet Doc Benishek — something helpful on the ballot.
EconomicNeocon on March 23, 2010 at 5:12 PM
I sent him some money. I like the words, “OF the people, by the people and for the peoople.” If Dr. Benishek is OF the people, sounds green, isn’t very polished, and lacks political savvy – I say he’s just what the doctor ordered. Best of luck, and we need more people like him!
Cindy of TX on March 23, 2010 at 5:39 PM
I sent the doc some money last night. Let’s see what he can do. Don’t think folks are looking for slick, polished pols this cycle. And, let’s face it, Kaputs is kind of an opportunistic slime ball. Besides, his hair annoys me.
SukieTawdry on March 23, 2010 at 11:52 PM
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