Headlines

Detroit Free Press-Green Auto Loans hangs in balance as Congress squabbles over funding A PDF is saved on the drive. [Detroit Free Press, 9/27/11] Michigan Messenger: Benishek: Oil companies pay their fair share PDF saved on drive. [MichiganMessenger.com, 8/26/11] Sault Ste. Marie Evening News Rep. Dan Benishek Criticized for Oil Comments PDF saved on drive. [Sault Ste Marie Evening News, 8/29/11] Detroit Free Press: Hey, Republicans, whose side are you on?

A PDF and scanned copy are saved on the drive. [Detroit Free Press, 9/25/11]
Politico: Benishek: Oil Companies Pay Their Fair Share A PDF is saved on the drive. [Politico, 8/25/11] Detroit Free Press: With Congress on break, constituents vent about debt deal [Detroit Free Press, 8/10/11]

Editorials
Record-Eagle: Benishek Is a Youre-on-Your-Own Kind of Guy In November 2011, the Record-Eagle wrote an editorial criticizing Benishek for his record reflecting his youre-on-your-own ideals. The editorial board cited Benisheks votes to end a program that helped families pay their mortgage, his support for a balanced budget amendment and the defunding, repeal and replacement of federal health care. The paper also sarcastically commented on his bending of the rules for a coal ash exemption for the SS Badger that dumps up to 500 tons of coal ash into the Great Lakes each year. [Record Eagle, 11/09/11] Accused of Putting Ideology and Party before the Needs of the Country In July 2011, a Petoskey News-Review op-ed accused politicians, including Benishek of trying to use debt ceiling debate to get everything they want without compromise. The op-ed likened the situation to one in which a criminal holding a gun to the head of a hostage and making demands. The op-ed said that members of Congress have clearly put their ideology and party above the needs of the country and for our leaders to basically behave in such a way is irresponsible and shameful. [Petoskey News-Review, 07/29/11]

Budget Issues
Claimed Vote to Phase out EAS Was a Vote in Favor of EAS

In June 2011, Benishek claimed that his vote for the aviation bill, which phases out EAS over a two and a half year period, was actually a vote in favor of the program. He said, This FAA bill funded the EAS for two and a half years. So that would be stable funding for two and a half years rather than a few months at a timeAs far as I was concerned it was a vote for the program. [Uppermichiganssource.com, 6/07/11] Publicly Supported EAS despite Vote to Phase It Out In June 2011, Benishek professed his support for EAS, despite his vote for the aviation bill that would phase it out. He said, I think its a good program and Im all for it. He also said EAS was essential: Up here we depend on this and there are a lot of people in the congress that believe in this too. Anybody that lives in rural America depends on funding like this. The bill he voted for would end EAS over two and a half year period. In the Upper Peninsula, Escanaba, Houghton, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, and Sault Ste. Marie Airports would lose funding. [Uppermichiganssource.com, 6/07/11] Said Final Aviation Bill Would Include EAS, Pass Both Houses In June 2011, Benishek said the final aviation bill would include funding for EAS. The House version of the bill phased the program out over two and a half years. Benishek said the revised bill would pass both houses. [Uppermichiganssource.com, 6/07/11] Said No Tax Increases, No More Subsidies At a question and answer with constituents in June 2011, Benishek said, I dont want to raise taxes on anybody. He said savings could be found in other areas, such as changes to the tax code and elimination of subsidies. Benishek said, I dont have a problem with streamlining your tax codes. I dont think we should be subsidizing anybody. [Benishek Meet and Greet in Iron Mountain, 6/07/11] Disagreed with Subsidizing Anybody and Claimed House Had Not Voted on Subsidies At a question and answer with constituents in June 2011, Benishek said, I dont think we should be subsidizing anybody. I dont think we should be subsidizing oil companies, we shouldnt be subsidizing wind companies, we shouldnt be subsidizing any of that. When a constituent said, I thought you voted yes on that, Benishek said, We didnt have a vote on anything like that. [Benishek Meet and Greet in Iron Mountain, 6/07/11] Note: It is unclear what that meant in context.

Impact of the Republican Budget on Medicare

According to the Energy and Commerce Committee, Ryans budget affected Congressman Benisheks district in the following ways:

Increase prescription drug costs for 6,500 Medicare beneficiaries in the district who enter the Part D donut hole, forcing them to pay an extra $64 million for drugs over the next decade. Eliminate new preventive care benefits for 141,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the district. Deny 430,000 individuals age 54 and younger in the district access to Medicares guaranteed benefits. Increase the out-of-pocket costs of health coverage by over $6,000 per year in 2022 and by almost $12,000 per year in 2032 for the 111,000 individuals in the district who are between the ages of 44 and 54. Require the 111,000 individuals in the district between the ages of 44 and 54 to save an additional $25.9 billion for their retirement an average of $182,000 to $287,000 per individual to pay for the

increased cost of health coverage over their lifetimes. Younger residents of the district will have to save even higher amounts to cover their additional medical costs. Raise the Medicare eligibility age by at least one year to age 66 or more for 58,000 individuals in the district who are age 44 to 49 and by two years to age 67 for 316,000 individuals in the district who are age 43 or younger. [Committee on Energy and Commerce, June 2011]

Opposed Army Recommendation to Cease Tank Production for Three Years Benishek opposed an Army recommendation that U.S. cease tank production for three years, a move that would save $1.3 billion in defense spending for fiscal year 2012. As an alternative, the Michigan House Delegation suggested limiting production to 70 tanks per year. The Abrams tank program is run by Sterling Heights-based General Dynamics Land Systems. In addition, 224 Michigan suppliers and subcontractors would be affected by the Army's decision to put the program on a three-year hiatus. [MLive.com, 5/12/2011] Benishek Said He Will Refuse Earmarks In 2010, Benishek said he will refuse to accept earmarks for his district. He said, Whoever has the loudest voice seems to be getting the money. If we have a comprehensive plan where all the facilities are repaired as they should be, then were going to be part of that plan. [TV6, 12/31/10] Blamed Democrats and Republicans for the National Debt In February 2011, Benishek said that the debt was not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue, but rather an American issue. He then added that both parties deserve blame for the national debt and then, again, tried to revert the blame to Democrats, saying, but since Democrats took control of Congress in 2007, the debt has increased by $5.3 trillion. [The Hill, 2/16/11] Tried Explaining that Cuts Will Not Be Easy But They Are Necessary for the Path to Fiscal Stability In February 2011, Benishek said that the cuts in H.R. 1 will not be easy but northern Michigan sent him to Washington to make tough decisions and he believes these reductions are necessary to show that Congress is serious about putting our country on a path to fiscal stability. [The Hill, 2/16/11] Said Continuing Resolution Cuts Were Not Deep Enough In March 2011, Benishek explained in a constituent newsletter that the continuing resolutions do not represent a real, substantial solution to reducing the deficit. He also said the cut, approximately 1/7 of one percent of the entire federal budget, was anything but draconian. [Rep. Dan Benishek Newsletter, 3/16/11] Wanted to Make Smart, Surgical Cuts in District In a March 2011 op-ed, Benishek said, Many of these spending cuts are not easy to make. Northern Michigan - like the rest of the country - has many worthy projects and people have benefited from admirable federal programs. I believe that we need to make smart, surgical cuts to spending. [Escanaba Daily Press, 3/16/11] Promised to Continue Supporting Funding for Essential Air Service In a March 2011 op-ed, Benishek said, I will continue to vigorously support some region-wide programs, such as the Essential Air Service subsidy to our airports, which I feel is essential to Northern Michigan's infrastructure and critical to creating private sector job growth in our area. [Escanaba Daily Press, 3/16/11] Supported Additional Spending for Border Patrol Only In March 2011, Benishek said Border Patrol was about the only area I want to spend more money." [Mining Gazette, 3/23/11]

Said He Was Not an Expert on the Budget In April 2011, Benishek acknowledged he was confused by the budgetary process, saying, You know, its not like when you get here all of the sudden, three months later and youre an expert. Im no expert on this. [LA Times, 4/13/11] Told Constituents Defense Will Be Cut and Everyone Will Have to Take Less At a town hall in March 2011, Benishek told constituents that Defense and every single area. He said: Well, the answers are, if you get, like I mentioned before, were going to have to address all these areas. Ok. Not just Defense spending, which I believe we should cut that because we have to cut this, we have to cut [inaudible]. To me, every single area has to be addressed. And that, you know, everybodys going to have to take, you know, a little bit less. [Benishek Town Hall in Ishpeming, 3/23/11] Said He Will Always Vote for Significant Spending Cuts In April 2011, Benishek said he had hoped for larger cuts in the Republican budget for 2012. He also promised that he would always vote for significant reductions in spending. He said, People should not feel sold out. They can be frustrated. I am frustrated that the cuts were not bigger I was not directly involved in negotiating with President Obama and Senator Reid, but I can tell you that as long as I am given the opportunity to vote for significant reductions in spending, I will be a Yea vote every time. [Big Government Blog, 4/28/11] Said He Will Not Raise the Debt Ceiling unless Accompanied by Huge Cuts In March 2011, Benishek said he would only vote to raise the nations debt limit if it was accompanied with a full repeal of health care, a balanced budget amendment and a 20 Percent GDP spending cap. He said, The debt ceiling will be a crucial test for this Congress. I have said in the past that I am against raising the debt limit unless we get something huge. Speaker Boehner said something really, really big. I just hope that his really, really big and my huge turn out to be the same thing. To me, the things that fall into the category of huge; a full repeal of Obamacare; a Balanced Budget Amendment; a cap on spending set below 20% GDP. [Big Government Blog, 4/28/11] Saw Ryan Budget as a Starting Point In May 2011, Benishek said he saw the Ryan budget just as a starting point and wanted something bigger in the budgets future. He said, I would want something big, what the big is, I dont know exactly. Were just starting that discussion now. I dont think were going to get anywhere without addressing the entitlements, especially when theyre the drivers of the debt. Were talking about the budget, the Path to Prosperity. Thats what were about. [Politico, 5/05/11] Wanted an Across-the-Board Budget Cut Like in Plan Proposed by Rep. Connie Mack In August 2011 at an Escanaba town hall, Benishek said he believed in an across the board cut. He specifically pointed out Rep. Connie Macks plan, which calls for a 1 percent cut, across the board, every year for six years. Benishek said, "There's a lot of waste and abuse. Streamlining the government seems to be very difficult - as I'm learning." [Daily Press, 8/30/11] Acted Frustrated by Budgetary Process in Study to Convert Standish into a Federal Prison In September 2011, Benishek stated with regards to receiving funds to convert Standish prison into a federal facility, Until we have a budget to work with, we just are not going to know when we can move forward.Right now we are working on a continuing resolutions, and that is the frustration, not having a true budget done.

On the budget he said, We passed a budget in the House, but we are still waiting for the senate to pass it the feds have continued to work on these short-term continuing resolutions, and that is not doing anyone any good. Further he urged his residents to write their local leaders and senators. He also said, So many of these areas are hurting,...Here, its the prison; in other areas, its other things the process is so slow that things are not getting done. [Arenac Independent, 9/29/11] Disapproved of Earmarks In a December 2011 interview with The Herald Times, Benishek was asked what accomplishment he was most proud of. He answered, As a whole Im very proud of the fact theres no more earmarks. No longer are we talking about spending money we dont have. Were trying to spend less money every year. Weve cut spending two years in a row not nearly as much as wed like, but its a trend we need to continue. Being able to buy someone off in their district is something thats no longer there. [The Herald Times, 12/20/11] Called Obamas Budget Plan Fantasyland In a June 2011, interview with the blogger Haystack, Benishek predicted that Americans are going to see that [Republicans] have a plan that cuts federal spending and saves Medicare, and the other side has yet to put forth something logical. Our budget plan makes sense, and in my opinion, the plan put forward by Mr. Obama is fantasyland. [Biggovernment.com, 6/02/11]

Business and Consumer Issues

Said Washington Special Interests Have Been Begging to Retain their Funding In February 2011, Benishek said that in his first month in office, he has had five to ten meetings each day with organizations, companies and Washington representatives begging to keep their funding. He then added that when he returns to his district, he hears the opposite from his constituents as they ask for less spending and more cuts. [The Hill, 2/16/11] Benishek Said a Credit Downgrading Is Probably a Good Thing In August 2011, Benishek told the Escanaba Daily Press that while he was surprised at the downgrade in the U.S. credit rating and Republican leadership had not expected the downgrade, Benishek thought, "For America, I think it's probably a good thing. Maybe it will bring this whole issue more to the American people now that they realize how serious the whole situation is and maybe force the politicians to actually get something done." [Daily Press, 8/11/11]

Campaign Finance Issues

Endorsed Cain In November 2011, Benishek endorsed Herman Cain for the Republican Presidential nod. [Free Republic, 11/06/11] Benishek Accepting Thousands in PAC Contributions in First Quarter of 2011 During the first quarter of 2011, Benishek accepted $89,106 in contributions of $200 or more, 74% of which came from from out-of-state PACs A member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Benishek, accepted $5,000 each from Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. PAC and Exxon Mobil Corp. PAC; $2,000 from XCEL Energy Employee Political Action Committee; $1,500 from DTE Energy Co. Political Action Committee and $1,000 from COAL PAC. [AP, 5/14/2011]

Held a Scotch and Cigars Event with a $5,000 Entrance Fee In February 2011, during the annual CPAC event, Benishek held a fundraiser along with fellow freshmen reps. Tom Reed (RNY) and Austin Scott (R-GA) called Scotch & Cigars at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The entrance fee went as high as $5,000 for a political action committee to be a patron. [Bloomberg, 2/10/11] Went on Snowmobile Tour of Northern Michigan In February 2011, Huizenga joined Reps. Benishek and Camp for a two-day snowmobile tour of the Huron-Mainstee National Forest in Northern Michigan. They intended to hear constituents opinions on legislation supported by environmentalists that would set aside 70 thousand acres of the forest as pre-Columbian pristine. [WHTC, 2/25/11]

Benishek: If I dont get elected, fine. In August 2011 at an Escanaba town hall, Benishek said, I'll stand here, and if I don't get elected, fine. I'm here; I'm doing the best I can to try to bring some logic to the government." [Daily Press, 8/30/11]

District Issues
Touted Language of His Forestry Bill Getting Incorporated into Apropos Bill and Signed into Law In January 2012, Benishek said he was proud to be able to get language from his signature piece of legislation incorporated in the Department of the Interior appropriations bill. Benishek said, I'm pretty proud to get that accomplished. That's the only piece of legislation I actually got passed into law, but I think that's actually pretty decent. Benisheks bill, H.R. 2209, was introduced in response to businesses and industry specialists claiming that responsible timber harvesting of federal forests was being slowed by bureaucratic barriers and long delays. [Escanaba Daily Press, 1/10/12] Said His Bill Was in Response to Requests from the Forest Service and Loggers In January 2012, Benishek said Early in the year I talked to the forest service and the loggers, and I asked them whats the one thing I could do to make the process of completing a timber sale easier. This is what they told me to do, this pre-decisional forestry review. Thats a big accomplishment. It should help the forest industry responsibly harvest trees in federal forests easier. Hopefully it will allow more timber to be sold. [Sault Sainte Marie Evening News, 1/15/12] Said He and His Office Were Working on Utilizing Standish Max Prison for a Federal Prison In April 2011, the Arenac Independent reported Benishek had explored options for the use of Standish Max Prison. He said the Federal Bureau of Prisons was communicating with the Michigan Department of Corrections and considering using the facility for a federal prison rather than privatization. [Arenac Independent, 4/01/11] Detroit Free Press: With Congress on break, constituents vent about debt deal Back at home in their districts, Michigan's members of Congress are expecting -- or already getting -- an earful from voters. "No one's been throwing me a birthday party," said Huizenga, who is holding a town hall meeting tonight at the Grand Haven Community Center. [ ] Two years ago, anger about health care reform helped turn the 2010 elections into a Republican rout. Now, some voters want to know why their new Republican representatives -- Huizenga in western Michigan and Dan Benishek in the Upper Peninsula -- supported a debt ceiling deal they believe paves the way for future government spending, even though it calls for cuts. [Detroit Free Press, 8/10/11]

Supported Sustainable Timber Harvesting Practices In a December 2011 interview with The Herald Times, Benishek touted the timber bill as a piece of legislation directly affecting his district. Benishek described the bill as something that will make it easier to responsibly harvest trees in the federal forest. We have three federal forests in Michigans 1st District, and right now its very difficult to harvest timber because the process is long and arduous because of lawsuits from those who think cutting trees is bad. I want responsible, sustainable harvest of trees that will create jobsNobody wants to cut the forest down. We all want sustainable harvest. Right now the health of the forest is diminishing because the age of the forest is increasing. Trees get old, die and that wood is wasted. [The Herald Times, 12/20/11] Complained Obama Did Not Invite Him to Accompany Him on His Visit to the District In February 2011 during the Presidents visit to at Northern Michigan University to discuss a proposed investment in wireless broadband, Benishek complained that he had not received an invitation when discussing the visit with his fellow Michigan colleagues. [Detroit News, 2/17/11] GOP Leadership Would Not Allow Benishek to Return to District During Visit House Republican leadership decided it did not want members to travel to their districts on days in which votes take place. Thus, the President will not be issuing invitations to accompany him on his visits. [Detroit News, 2/17/11] Responded with Complaints that Broadband Costs too Much In a February 2011 Benishek press release, he said he was excited to see an interest in increasing broadband access but, he has serious reservations about adding another federal program when the national debt already equals over $44,000 per person. [Benishek Press Release, 2/10/11] Assured Constituents that Local Postal Service Processing Center will Remain Open In a December 2011 interview with The Herald Times, Benishek was asked what he was doing to keep the Gaylord Processing Center open. He responded I had a conversation with the Postal Service this year. First of all, theyre not going to make any decision until May of next year. Also, no one will be laid off and they told me it is unlikely these facilities will close. The one in Gaylord and one in Kingsford may not do any sorting but still may be a distribution center and will continue to have retail services. He qualified his statement concluding The Postal Service representatives assured me it is unlikely they will close down, but they may change what they do a bit. [The Herald Times, 12/20/11]

Debt Ceiling
Tried to Explain His Final Vote for Raising the Debt Ceiling In August 2011 at an Escanaba town hall, Benishek said he voted for the final debt ceiling compromise in the end, despite having railed against raising the debt ceiling, because he was trying to avoid government shutdown. He said, "The uncertainty involved with not paying the debt was too great for me. A lot of people didn't like this vote - I didn't like this vote, but I didn't want to vote to go to the crisis." [Daily Press, 8/30/11]

Campaigned on Opposition to Debt Limit At a campaign stop in June 2011, Benishek said, Were not going to raise the debt ceiling unless we get a specific amount of spending cuts. For every dollar the government spends, they are borrowing 42 cents well how long can you do that? [Daily Press, 6/11/11]

Spoke of Opposition to Debt Limit during June 2011 Campaign Stop At a campaign stop in June 2011, Benishek said, Were not going to raise the debt ceiling unless we get a specific amount of spending cuts. For every dollar the government spends, they are borrowing 42 cents well how long can you do that? [Daily Press, 6/11/11] Faced Pressure from Party Leaders to Support the Debt Ceiling Agreement In August 2011, the Detroit News reported that Benishek had faced intense heat from party leaders to vote for the debt ceiling agreement. He said that the bill was by no means perfect, but it begins changing the way Washington borrows and spends money." [Detroit News, 8/02/11]

Economic and Financial Issues

Named Jobs and the Economy as Top Priorities for 2012 In a December 2011 interview with The Herald Times, Benishek said that jobs and the economy would be the top priorities for 2012. Its about the economy, about jobs in Michigan. We need to get an administration that cares about peoples jobs. Washington here is booming theres buildings going up left and right but in Michigan everybodys looking for work. I want the private sector to do well. I want fairer taxes. I want businesses to hire more people. I want government to work within its means, Benishek said. [The Herald Times, 12/20/11] Supports Drug Testing as Prerequisite for Unemployment Benefits In a December 2011 interview with The Herald Times, Benishek said We have to reform that system. Right now 99 weeks is too long. Unemployment insurance is supposed to be a transition period for time to find another job. This allows states to have more input, lowers 99 weeks to 59 weeks and allows states to drug test people who are vying for unemployment. People arent hiring because if they hire someone then have to lay someone off theyll have to pay 99 weeks of unemployment insurance. Theres not much incentive to hire if they risk having to pay two years of unemployment insurance. [The Herald Times, 12/20/11]

Education Issues
Voted for Education Bill That Was Described as An Attack onCivil Rights In July 2011, Benishek said it was insulting for Democrats to accuse local education officials of chipping away at programs geared toward minority or low-income students. The House Committee on Education and Workforce passed a bill over strong Democratic objections that allowed the use of federal dollars meant for poor students be directed towards other programs... Rep. Hinojosa had called it an attack oncivil rights of disadvantaged students. [Washington Times, 7/13/11]

Energy Issues
Benishek: Oil Companies Pay Their Fair Share In August 2011, Benishek said, (Democrats) talk about raising the taxes on the oil companies. I think oil companies pay their fair share .I can understand where the oil company wants to deduct the cost of drilling a well. That's one of the tax breaks for oil companies -- the subsidies -- they get to deduct the cost of the well the year you drill. [Petoskey News, 8/24/11]

Environmental Issues
Supported Effort to Keep Coal Ship Active

In November 2011, Benishek sponsored an amendment to the Coast Guard Authorization Bill to block federal regulations that compromised operations of the S.S. Badger, a historic coal powered ferry that has been operating on Lake Michigan for over 50 years. The Badger is though to be the last coal powered ship in the United States still in operation. The amendment keeps in place the current EPA discharge program that allows the agency to continue regulating discharge from historic ships like the SS Badger which was set to expire in December 2012. The amendment passed by voice vote in the House. [The State Column, 11/14/11] Introduced Bill to Help Forestry and Timber Industries In June 2011, Benishek said he will introduce legislation to deregulate federal forests. He said, The legislation that I will be sponsoring this summer is about making it easer to cut trees down in the federal forests. We all want sustainable forests, we want healthy forests and right now we're not cutting enough trees down to keep the forest healthy. He claimed the legislation would create jobs and stimulate the economy. [UpperMichigansSource.com, 6/19/11] Wanted Streamlined Process for Logging At a question and answer with constituents in June 2011, Benishek supported a quicker process for logging in federal forests. He said, One of the things were working on is a bill to streamline the process of getting trees cut down in the federal forest. Benishek said it takes eight years for logging to begin because they have so many regulations they have to go through and so many conflicting laws [Benishek Meet and Greet in Iron Mountain, 6/07/11] Denounced Hunting and Snowmobiling Restrictions in Huron-Manistee National Forest In February 2011, Benishek co-wrote a letter speaking out against a proposed ban from the National Forest Service on firearm hunting and snowmobile use in the semi-private, non-motorized management areas of the Huron-Manistee National Forest. [Mlive.com, 2/11/11] Asked the Huron Manistee National Forest to Not Restrict Hunting and Snow Mobiling In February 2011, Benishek asked the Huron-Manistee National Forest to not restrict hunting and snow mobiling in their Environmental Impact Statement. Benishek stated, As a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman, I feel strongly about allowing the people of Northern Michigan to use our extraordinary natural resources to their full potential. It is my hope that hunters and snowmobilers will be able to access the Huron-Manistee National Forest for generations to come. [Ludington Daily News, 2/14/11] Supported Removing Restrictions on Logging in Federal Forests In March 2011, Benishek said he backed removing restrictions on logging in federal forests. He said, "Everyone else who owns trees knows if you cut them down, you make money, but the federal government can't do it," he said. [Mining Gazette, 3/23/11] Said He Was Writing Legislation to Streamline the Deforesting of Federal Lands In April 2011, Benishek said he was working on a piece of legislation to streamline the process of cutting trees down in our federal forests. He said, We are only cutting at 5 percent of the rate we could be cutting. Benishek said his legislation would help loggers in the Upper Peninsula as well as those who help produce products made from wood and that the potential impact on jobs would be huge. [Sault Ste. Marie Evening News, 4/22/11] Politico: Benishek: "Oil companies pay their fair share"

10

Count freshman Rep. Dan Benishek as the latest Republican to come out in defense of oil companies. According to The Petoskey News, the 1st District Michigan congressman told a public forum, "(Democrats) talk about raising the taxes on the oil companies. I think oil companies pay their fair share." "I can understand where the oil company wants to deduct the cost of drilling a well. That's one of the tax breaks for oil companies -- the subsidies -- they get to deduct the cost of the well the year you drill," he continued. [POLITICO, 8/25/11]

Ethics Issues
Voted to Cut Funding for the Office of Congressional Ethics On July 22, 2011, Benishek voted for an amendment to a legislative appropriations bill that cut the Office of Congressional Ethics funding by 40 percent. The amendment was offered by Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC). [HR 2551, Vote #622, 7/22/11; Amendment to HR 2551, 7/11/11; Roll Call, 7/25/11] Possible Congressional Ethics Violation In March 2011, after coverage of the sign posted in his DC congressional office, and, as one staffer said, We all pitched in and bought the banner for him, Benishek may have violated House ethics rules that senior aides are prohibited from accepting gifts from subordinates. [Roll Call, 3/21/11] Promised to Read Every Bill In March 2011, Benishek promised to read every bill that came before him. He said, I sought political office for the first time in my life in part because of my concern that many Washington politicians were not even reading the bills they were voting on. I have publicly promised that I will read every bill before I cast a vote on it. [The State Column, 3/13/11] Said Washington DC Interests Are Begging Him for Money In a March 2011 op-ed, Benishek said that nearly everyone visiting him in his Washington, D.C. office is asking to maintain funding for their personal interests. Benishek wrote, It seems that every meeting I have starts with the familiar refrain, "yes we need to spend less, but not on our program." By contrast, just about everyone I meet while I am home asks me to make sure the federal government spends less. [Escanaba Daily Press, 3/16/11]

FAA and EAS

Budget Cuts Could Compromise Regional Airports in Benisheks District A proposal from the Republican Study Committee is calling for the elimination of the federal subsidies program that provides nearly $200 million annually to 140 rural regional airports, including six rural Michigan airports such as the Muskegon and Manistee airports in the Lower Peninsula and Iron Mountain, Ironwood/Ashland, Wis., Iron Mountain/Kingsford and Escanaba airports in the Upper Peninsula. Benishek is not a member of the Republican Study Committee but has repeatedly called for reductions in spending. [Petoskey News, 2/03/11] Promised to Continue Supporting Funding for Essential Air Service In a March 2011 op-ed, Benishek said, I will continue to vigorously support some region-wide programs, such as the Essential Air Service subsidy to our airports, which I feel is essential to Northern Michigan's infrastructure and critical to creating private sector job growth in our area. [Escanaba Daily Press, 3/16/11] Benishek: EAS Delivers A Lot of Bang for the Buck

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In March 2011, prior to his vote to eliminate the Essential Air Service in the FAA Reauthorization bill, Benishek defended the EAS saying it delivers "a lot of bang for the buck" in the Upper Peninsula, including Ford Airport in Kingsford. He said that some provisions of the EAS program could be but trimmed, but he agreed that ending the subsidies for airports would be a substantial economic blow for the UP. [Iron Mountain Daily News, 3/22/11] Voted to Reduce FAA Funding to FY 2008 Levels at the Expense of Air Traffic Control Modernization Benishek voted for the four-year reauthorization to reduce the Federal Aviation Administrations funding to FY 2008 levels that would devastate the NextGen air traffic control modernization effort and harm safety-sensitive programs. [HR 658, Vote #220 , 4/01/11] FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act terminates the Essential Air Service program According to USA Today, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 will terminate the EAS program on Oct. 1st, 2013, in all states except Alaska and Hawaii. [USA Today, 3/30/11] Supported Making Cuts to the Essential Air Service In March 2011, Benishek said the some parts of the Essential Air Service program, which funds flights to several U.P. airports, including the Houghton County Memorial Airport, should be trimmed such as the amount of per-passenger subsidies. He said, "Some of that program could use some cuts, but I wouldn't want to eliminate it. [Mining Gazette, 3/23/11] Said He Opposed a Bill in Congress to Eliminate EAS In March 2011, Benishek said he opposed a bill in Congress to eliminate funding for the EAS program, despite supporting trimming some parts of the program, such as per-passenger subsidies. [Mining Gazette, 3/23/11] Rep. Benishek Statement: I Decided to Support the Houses Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization BillAnd Even Promised to Strengthen the EAS In an April 2011 press release, Benishek said that he had afterall he had decided to support the FAA Reauthorization bill that eliminated the EAS program despite being disappointed that the bill sunsets the Essential Air Service. He added, I believe the EAS is vital to Northern Michigans economy and serves as a lifeline to private sector job creation in the First District. I consider the program an important linkfor both businesses and citizens in Northern Michiganto the rest of the nation and the global economy. Benishek said he does not see rural air service as unnecessary or reckless spending and promised to continue to vigorously support air service to Northern Michigans airports. Benishek also said he wanted to work to strengthen the EAS program before this bill becomes law. [Rep. Dan Benishek Press Release, 4/01/11] Said He Supported the EAS Program Yet Voted to Eliminate It In April 2011, Benishek voted in favor of a bill that eliminates the Essential Air Service by 2013 then claimed to support the program. He said, "Although the bill contains many important provisions, I was disappointed that the bill sunsets the Essential Air Service (EAS) program over the next four years. I believe the EAS is vital to Northern Michigan's economy and serves as a lifeline to private sector job creation in the 1st District. I consider the program an important link -- for both businesses and citizens in Northern Michigan -- to the rest of the nation and the global economy." Benishek claimed to have voted in favor of the bill to eliminate the EAS because it would have continued funding for at least the next two years to local airports.

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He added, "I didn't like the fact that it sunsetted. I'm not for eliminating the program. I fly using that program." [Petoskey News, 4/11/11] Supported Drastic Cut to EAS Because He Thought Senate Negotiations Would Reinstate the Program After pledging to support the Essential Air Service and then voting for the FAA Reauthorization bill that would end rural airport service for over 106 communities, Benishek said he favored the bill because it would authorize funding for the FAA after many short term extensions and because he was reassured the program would be revived in Senate negotiations. [Detroit News, 4/21/11] Claimed Ford Airport Was a Lifeline and Promised Help after Delta and EAS Problems In July 2011, Benishek said air service to Ford Airport in Iron Mountain is a lifeline and promised to continue to press Delta and other air carriers about the opportunities for growth in Northern Michigan after Delta announced it will be ending service to Ford Airport. Flights are expected to continue with another carrier if Delta cannot be swayed, but the future of the airport is out of the countys control because legislation supporting the Essential Air Service on which the airport depends is in question. Dickinson County Controller Kay Pascoe said, We have almost no control. The only real input we have is to do public pressure--letter writing campaigns, calling our legislatures. But we're not the decision makers here, and that's extremely frustrating. [UpperMichigansSource.com, 7/26/11]

FEC-2011 Second Quarter

Raised More from PACs Than From Individuals. Benishek received $72,500 from PACs in the second quarter, nearly $12,000 more than the $60,792.55 he raised from individuals. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Contributions of Note: ERIC (Every Republican Is Crucial) PAC Gave $5,000 Last Quarter. On June 2, Benishek received $5,000 from Eric Cantors PAC, ERIC (Every Republican Is Crucial) PAC. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] KOCHPAC Gave $2,500 Last Quarter. On June 29, Benishek received $2,500 from KOCH PAC, the political action committee of Koch Industries, Inc. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Received $2,500 from Rep. Dave Camps Leadership PAC. On June 30, Benishek received $2,500 from Rep. Dave Camps leadership PAC, the Continuing a Majority Party Action Committee. He has received $7,500 from his PAC this year. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Received $2,500 from Kevin McCarthys Leadership PAC. On June 21, Benishek received $2,500 from Kevin McCarthys leadership PAC. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] NRA Gave $1,000 Last Quarter. On June 29, Benishek received $1,000 from the National Rifle Association Institute Fo. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11]

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Citizens United Political Victory Fund Gave $1,000 Last Quarter. On June 30, Benishek received $1,000 from the Citizens United Political Victory Fund. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Received $1,000 from Rep. Phil Gingreys Leadership PAC. On May 24, Benishek received $1,000 from DOC PAC, Rep. Phil Gingreys leadership PAC. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Received $17,500 from Tribes and Indian Groups. Of the total $72,500 Benishek received from PACs, $17,50024%came from tribes and Indian groups. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Name Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gila River Indian Community Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottaw Morongo Band of Mission Indians Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawato Pechanga Bank of Luiseno Indians Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Date 5/27/11 6/03/11 6/02/11 5/27/11 6/30/11 6/03/11 6/23/11 5/27/11 5/27/11 TOTAL Amount $1,000 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $500 $1,000 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $17,500

Sponsored a Bill to Benefit Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. In June 2011, Benishek sponsored a bill to extend benefits to the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians called the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and
Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act, which reaffirms federal recognition and the rights and privileges of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Cheboygan County, Michigan. [H.R. 2322, 6/23/11]

American Gas Association PAC Gave $500 This Quarter. On April 29, Benishek received $500 from the American Gas Association PAC. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Utilities PAC Gave $1,500 Last Quarter. On April 20, Benishek received $1,000 from DTE Energy Company PAC. On June 30, he received an additional $500 from DTE PAC. He has received $5,000 from DTE PAC this year. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Devon Energy Corporation PAC Gave $1,000 Last Quarter. On June 3, Benishek received $1,000 from the Devon Energy Corporation PAC. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Expenditures of Note: Repaid $30,000 Loan from Himself. On April 16, Benishek reimbursed himself $30,000 in payment of a loan he gave to his campaign. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11]

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Used Few Vendors from His Home State. Of the 48 disbursements from Benisheks campaign in the second quarter, only 817%went to entities in Michigan. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Paid Over $500 for Office Supplies from Football Site. On May 3, Benishek paid $518.70 to Football Fanatics, Inc. for office supplies. The site says, Football Fanatics is your College Apparel & NFL Shop featuring an endless assortment of sports apparel, merchandise, and fan gear. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11; FootballFanatics.com, accessed 7/18/11] Retired $9,000 Debt to Web Development Company. On April 16, Benishek paid $9,000 to Craft, a DC-based web development company, to retire a $9,000 debt. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Spent $18,837.37 on Fundraising and Field Consulting. Benishek paid the Virginia-based Delullo & Associates, LLC $11,337.37 in five payments for fundraising consulting. On April 16, he paid the Michigan-based Simmons Group, LLC $5,000 for fundraising consulting. On April 29, he paid the Virginia-based Rubicon Marketing Services $2,500 for field consulting. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Spent $7,234.61 on Direct Mail. On April 6, Benishek paid $1,966.71 to Lettercom, Inc., a Virginiabased direct mail company for printing and postage. On April 16, he paid $3,549.00 to Lettercom. On May 24, he paid $1,718.90 to The Printing Express, another Virginia-based direct mail company, for printing and postage. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Spent nearly $5K on Catering and Room Rental. In the second quarter, Benishek spent $4,946.21 on catering services and room rental. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Recipient BLT Steak DC Capitol Hill Club Capitol Hill Club Capitol Hill Club Capitol Hill Club Description Catering Services None Listed Room Rental & Catering Services Room Rental & Catering Services Room Rental & Catering Services Date Amount 5/03/11 $750.00 4/07/11 $32.79 4/16/11 $1,762.66 4/29/11 $493.68 5/03/11 $1,907.08 TOTAL $4,946.21

Spent over $4K on Travel. In the second quarter, Benishek spent $4,115.17 on travel. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/15/11] Recipient Dan Benishek Citgo Oil Co. Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Description Travel Reimbursement Travel: Fuel Travel: Air Travel: Transaction Fee Travel: Air Travel: Air Date 4/29/11 5/03/11 4/07/11 4/07/11 4/07/11 4/07/11
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Amount $811.60 $55.51 $100.00 $25.00 $1,583.80 $320.00

Traci Jahnke Traci Jahnke Traci Jahnke La Playa LLC La Playa LLC La Playa LLC Marathon Oil Tortilla Coast Tortilla Coast

Travel Reimbursement Travel Reimbursement Travel Reimbursement Travel: Lodging Travel: Food Travel: Lodging Travel: Fuel Travel: Food Travel: Food

4/29/11 $9.90 6/03/11 $4.95 6/10/11 $49.50 4/07/11 $667.88 4/07/11 $10.01 4/07/11 $198.67 4/07/11 $193.65 4/07/11 $43.61 5/03/11 $41.09 TOTAL $4,115.17

FEC-2011 Third Quarter Analysis

Raised More Money from Individuals than From PACs. In his October Quarterly filing Benishek raised $97,413.29 from individuals while raising $64,950.00 from PACs. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] KochPAC gave $1,000. On September 30th, KochPAC contributed $1,000 to Benisheks campaign committee. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Paul Ryan gave $2,500. On September 2, Paul Ryans Prosperity PAC contributed $2,500 to Benisheks campaign committee. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Action Committee for Rural Electrification gave $2,500. On September 6th the Action Committee for Rural Electrification gave $2,500 to Benisheks campaign committee. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Dave Camps Committee gave $2,500. On September 30, the Continuing A Majority Party Action Committee, Dave Camps leadership PAC, gave $2,500 to the Benishek campaign committee for a total of $5,000 for the year. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Mike Rogers Gave $5,000. On September 28, Mike Rogers leadership PAC, the Majority Initiative to Keep Electing Republicans, gave $5,000 to Johnsons campaign committee. [Bill Johnson for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Jeb Hensarling Gave $2,500. On September 30, Jobs, Economy and Budget Fund, Jeb Hensarlings leadership PAC, gave $5,000 to Benisheks campaign committee. [Bill Johnson for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] The Dow Chemical Company Employees PAC gave $1,000. On August 5, the Dow Chemical Company Employees PAC gave $1,000 to the Benishek campaign committee. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Delta Gave $1,000. On September 30, Delta Airlines gave $1,000 to the Benishek campaign committee. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11]
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Received $11,750 from Native American Tribes. During the third quarter, Benishek received $11.750 from seven different Native American nations. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Plum Creek Timber Company Good Government Fund Has Donated $2,000. On July 29 and September 6, Benishek received two $1,000 contributions from the Plum Creek Timber Company Good Government Fund based in Seattle, Washington. [Benishek for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] SBA List Candidate Fund Gave $1,000. On August 4, Benishek received a $1,000 from the Susan B. Anthony List. [Bill Johnson for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Fred Upton Gave $1,000. On September 29, Team Republicans for Utilizing Sensible Tactics (TRUST PAC), Fred Uptons leadership PAC, gave $1,000 to Benisheks campaign committee. [Bill Johnson for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Owes Law Firm nearly $7,000 for Legal Services. At the end of the third quarter of 2011, Benishek owed Clark Hill PLC, based in DC, $6,684.08 for legal services. [Bill Johnson for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Benisihek owes $8,293.01 for direct mail. . At the end of the third quarter of 2011, Benishek owes three different mailing firms (Steve Brown Direct Marketing, Southwest Publishing, Pinnacle Direct) a total of $8,293.01 for direct mail and list rental. [Bill Johnson for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Owes Himself nearly $100,000. At the end of the third quarter of 2011, Benishek still owed himself $93,000.00 in loans. [Bill Johnson for Congress, 2011 October Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 10/15/11] Gave Chief of Staff a $10,000 Win Bonus at the End of July. On 7/29/2011, Benishek gave his now Chief of Staff, Larry Purporo, a $10,000 win bonus. Reimbursed Four Federal Employees for Travel Expenses. Benishek repaid the following employees for travel expenses from his campaign account: Dan Blough (Special Assistant) total of $577.52 for travel expenses (on 8/27 and 9/14) Michelle Brown (Temporary Employee) total of $501.56 for administrative consulting (on 8/09, 9/01 and 9/19) Traci Jahnke (Constituent Services Representative) total of $30.39 for postage(on 9/09) Andrew Miller (Legislative Assistant) total of $483.98 from his campaign account for travel expenses (on 7/12) Jesse Osmer (Special Assistant) total of $340.80 from his campaign account for travel expense (on 7/12, 7/15, 8/22, 9/14)

Foreign Policy Issues Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea

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Supported Pulling Troops out of Afghanistan In December 2011, while meeting with constituents in Mohawk, MI, Benishek said I went to Afghanistan. I don't think it's a winnable war, Benishek said. I think we should be out of there. [Keweenaw Now, 1/3/12] In March 2012, Benishek opposed continued U.S. presence in Afghanistan. Benishek said, I'm against our troops being in Afghanistan, quite frankly. I may differ from a Republican majority on that, but I just think we should be out of there. [Daily Press, 3/14/12]

Health Care Issues

Claimed Obamacare Changed Medicare, Lead to Healthcare Cost Increases and More Bureaucracy At a question and answer with constituents in June 2011, Benishek said rising health costs have to be addressed by putting the patient in charge of their own health care spending. He said, Obamacare is taking $560 billion away from MedicareAnd theyve provided for what they call an Independent Payment Advisory Board, which is fifteen bureaucrats provided by the President who are going to decide what kind of health care they are going to pay forSo theyre changing Medicare as it is. I want to repeal Obamacare and put you in charge, not some government bureaucrat. [Benishek Meet and Greet in Iron Mountain, 6/07/11] Said He Was Not Familiar with Congressional Health Care In January 2011, Benishek said on camera that he was not familiar with the Congressional Health Care plan when asked if he would be accepting the package. [DCCC Tracking Footage, 1/19/11] Backed Health Savings Accounts In March 2011, Benishek said he backed health-savings accounts, which he said make people smarter consumers of health care. He said, "If you have more of your skin in the game, you're going to be more careful how you shop for these kinds of services. [Mining Gazette, 3/23/11] Introduced Legislation Aimed at Improving Access to Healthcare In December 2011, Benishek released draft legislation for the Healthy Savings Act of 2011. The legislation would increase the amount individuals can place in health savings accounts (HSAs). Under current law, individuals are permitted to place $3,100 or $6,250 per family in 2012 in HSAs. Benisheks proposal would increase this allowance to $15,000 per year, or $30,000 per year for joint returns. [Benishek Legislative Release, 12/01/11] and Called Out of Touch by Michigan Nurses Association In December 2011, the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) highlighted Benisheks new healthcare legislation as showing how out of touch the millionaire surgeon is with the day-to-day struggles of residents of the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan. John Karebian, executive director of MNA said [o]nly a millionaire surgeon would brag that hes solving the health care crisis by providing one option: telling financially stressed Michigan residents they can set aside $15,000 a year in a special account. Karebian accused Benishek of siding with the 1 percent who live in a fantasy world. [Michigan Nurses Association Release, 12/06/11] Pushed Healthcare Legislation in Conjunction with Elite Right-Wing Group MNA also accused Benishek of pushing the legislation with Docs4PatientCare, an elite right wing group that proposes health care savings plans as a basic structural health insurance model and supports the privatizing of Medicare. [Michigan Nurses Association Release, 12/06/11]

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Immigration and Border Issues

Supported Additional Spending for Border Patrol Only In March 2011, Benishek said Border Patrol was about the only area I want to spend more money." [Mining Gazette, 3/23/11]

Israel Labor and Working Family Issues

Voted against Protecting Collective Bargaining Rights Benishek voted against an amendment that would have protected the collective bargaining rights for airline and railroad workers. [HR 658, Vote #217, 4/01/11] Amendment would have protected workers collective bargaining rights The amendment, offered by Representative LaTourette (R-OH), ensured that union representation elections respect the will of workers. Under current rules, the National Mediation Board certifies a union to represent airline and railroad workers if a majority of voting workers favor representation in a representation election. Representative LaTourettes amendment would have struck an unjust provision of the bill that undermines workers collective-bargaining rights by requiring the Board to certify a union only if a super-majority of all eligible voters favor representation. [The Hill, 3/31/11] Benishek: Its about the jobs for me. In August 2011 at an Escanaba town hall, Benishek said, "Everything we talked about here today, people have passionate opinions about. You have to temper your thought - you may think that I have folded or caved or whatever, but honestly, it's about the jobs for me. It's about reforming our government in a responsible fashion.

LGBT Issues Other Issues

Announced Mobile Casework Schedule In February 2011, Benishek announced the hours for his new "mobile casework" service to give constituents the opportunity to voice their concerns or opinions. Benishek said the service will travel form location to location on an announced basis to provide greater access for the people of Northern Michigan. In March, the mobile casework service planned to travel to, adequate weather provided, Lake St. Charlevoix, East Jordan, Mackinaw City and Indian River. [Petoskey News, 2/25/11] Benishek: You dont do any good by calling people names. After announcing a tour of Hansen Clarkes district while Clarke toured Benisheks, Benishek said, Im not the type of the person who doesnt want to talk to people on the other side of the aisle or screams vilifying statements at people, and neither is he. You dont do any good by calling people names. [Wall Street Journal, 9/08/11] Spoke of the Difficulty of Being an Incumbent and Running a Challenging Reelection Campaign

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In January 2012, Benishek said, When I was running in 2010, except for when I was working Tuesday and Thursday mornings at my regular job, I was out campaigning. Now I cant do that because this regular job is not just Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The job is full time plus. Thats going to come first and the campaign will come next. Well have to play it out. Im curious because I dont know. [Sault Sainte Marie Evening News, 1/15/12] Accused of Pledging Fealty to a Stereotypical Washington D.C. Insider In 2010, Benishek signed the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) pledge. [Americans for Tax Reform, accessed 02/15/12] Founded by Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform also advocates for a flat tax and a repeal of the Affordable Care Act. [Americans for Tax Reform, accessed 02/15/12] In January 2012, the Daily Press accused Benishek of pledging fealty to a Harvard graduate who is the stereotypical Washington D.C. insider. According to the Daily Press, [w]hat seems plausible is that the pledge made to ATR connects a candidate to money coming from special interests with ties to Mr. Norquist. [Opinion column, Daily Press, 01/03/12] Received Money from Special Interest Groups Prior to Taking Office In January 2012, the Daily Press reported that Benishek held a fundraiser in November 2010. The event, labeled as a Debt Reduction Breakfast required an entry price of $2,000/PAC and $500/individual. Two months prior, in September 2010, the lobbying firm of Valente and Associates held fundraiser for Benishek with a $1,000/PAC and $500/individual price tag. According to the Daily Press, [g]etting more and more from special interest seems to conflict with Mr. Benishek's campaign motto of enough is enough. [Daily Press, 01/03/12] Accused of Following ATRs Agenda In January 2012, the Daily Press said Benishek follows all ATRs positions, even those not involving taxes, but that do increase the power of the wealthy. [Daily Press, 01/03/12] Rebuked by One Nation PAC for Not Attending Fundraiser

In February 2012, One Nation PAC asked that their contribution to Benisheks campaign be returned after his office told the PAC that he had no knowledge of a scotch and cigars fundraising event at CPAC. They are denying even knowing about the party when the congressman was confirmed, said One Nation PAC spokesman Kelly Eustis. He attended last year also. [Politico, 02/09/12] Benishek faced pressure from the Michigan Nurses Association and Progress Michigan who accused Benishek failing to attend to the needs of his constituents. [MLive, 02/08/12] Giving in to the nurses union isn't what I call a strong conservative and we will kindly ask for our contribution back from his campaign. said Eustis. [Politico, 02/09/12]
Surprised that Being a Congressman Requires a lot of Reading and Time In a December 2011 interview with The Herald Times, Benishek was asked if anything had surprised him during his first year in office. Benishek said I didnt really know what to expect. The amount of reading is a lot. You need to work to stay up to speed. Theres a lot of time involved its not a 9-to-5 job. [The Herald Times, 12/20/11] Claimed that he didnt Come to Congress to get Reelected In a June 2011, interview with the blogger Haystack, Benishek claimed I didnt come to Congress to get reelected, I came here to help create economic growth in my district and cut our federal governments out-of-control spending. We need to make it clear that we have a logical plan to cut spending and save Medicare for future generations. [Biggovernment.com, 6/02/11] Blamed the Senate for Congressional Inaction

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In December 2011, while meeting with constituents in Mohawk, MI, Benishek blamed the senate for inaction. There's 28 bills that we passed that are sitting in the Senate (not acted on), Benishek said. It's frustrating when the Senate doesn't act. Benishek said that the Senate going on vacation for Christmas prevented the finalization of the budget bill. [Keweenaw Now, 1/3/12] Opposed to Rushing Legislation In December 2011, while meeting with constituents in Mohawk, MI, Benishek expressed frustration with the inability of Congress to pass a budget but indicated that he doesnt like to rush legislation. To have disagreement and argument -- that's a good thing, he said, so that we don't move too fast. [Keweenaw Now, 1/3/12] Believes the Affordable Care Act was Passed too Fast Benishek said believed that the Affordable Care Act was passed too fast before people understood what was in it. Now theyre understanding that it's not making our health care any cheaper. It's making things more expensive, Benishek said. Benishek added that he believed the healthcare bill would pose problems for small hospitals in the Upper Peninsula. [Keweenaw Now, 1/3/12] Endorsed Mitt Romney for President In March 2012, Benishek endorsed Mitt Romney for President. According to the Daily Press, Benishek cited Romney's ability to balance a budget in Massachusetts working with a Democratic Legislature and his long career in business. [Daily Press, 3/14/12]

Second Amendment Rights

Small Business Innovation Research And Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Programs Provided $2 Billion A Year To Fund Scientific Research At Small Businesses. In May 2011, the Los Angeles Times reported that Turning research into commercial products is a main goal of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The federal programs spend about $2 billion a year on grants and contracts for scientific research and development. SBIR was established by law in 1982 to fund high-tech research at small businesses. STTR, a smaller program that requires a university research partner, began in 1992. According to The Washington Post, in July 2004, The program requires certain federal agencies to set aside about 2 percent of their research and development budgets for competitive grants to U.S. companies with 500 or fewer employees that are owned by individuals, not institutions or companies. [Los Angeles Times, 5/02/11; Washington Post, 7/29/04]

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

Promised No Changes in Medicare for People 55 and Older At a question and answer with constituents in June 2011, Benishek said the 2012 budget protects Social Security and Medicare for retirees and those near retirement. He said Medicare and Social Security would be changed for those younger than 55 because the plan going forward, as you know, is unsustainable and nobodys going to get anything He also said, The plan doesnt raise tax by a dimeand strengthens the long-term survivability of Medicare and Medicaid. [Benishek Meet and Greet in Iron Mountain, 6/07/11] Said 2012 Budget Would End Unlimited Medicare Benefit At a question and answer with constituents in June 2011, Benishek said the 2012 budget fixes Medicare without raising taxes by not providing an unlimited benefit for everyone. He told the audience, Youre going to have to be responsible for some of your health care going forwardfor those 55 and older, for those who have already paid in and have a certain benefit

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expected but, for those are younger, you have to face the reality that theres not enough money to have the same benefit we have now. [Benishek Meet and Greet in Iron Mountain, 6/07/11] Back-Tracked on his Support for Privatizing Social Security In 2010 during his campaign for the Republican nomination, Benishek told voters that he was in favor of privatizing social security. I am all in favor or privatizing it, he said. After winning the primary however, Benishek said that he just wanted to explore privatization options for some workers under 55. He also emphasized that he does not support changing benefits for those over 55. In 2010, more than a quarter of the people in MI-01 received social security benefits. [The American Independent, 09/08/10] Criticized by Tea Partiers for Toned-Down Rhetoric Benisheks watered down language prompted criticism from Tea Party activists who accused him of flip-flopping. [The American Independent, 09/08/10] Expressed Concern over Social Security Trust Fund In a December 2011 interview with The Herald Times, Benishek expressed concern over Social Security saying Republicans are worried about the Social Security Trust Fund. President Obama put a cut on that, making the trust fund less stable in the long term. We extended his tax cut but paid for it with cuts in other places. We want to make sure it remains funded. [The Herald Times, 12/20/11] Supported Maintaining Medicare for People at or Close to Retirement In a June 2011, interview with the blogger Haystack, Benishek supported maintaining Medicare for current seniors but warned that serious reforms were needed. Benishek said [t]he reality is we have to act now. We cant afford to wait until our country is bankruptWhat we have to do is decide the smartest way to reform our spending programs so they are sustainable. I believe the way to do that is keep our promise to seniors and not make any changes to Medicare for those at or near retirement. But I think we can agree that we need serious reforms in order to ensure Medicare is available for our children and grandchildren. [Biggovernment.com, 6/02/11] Accused Democrats of Trying to Scare Senior Citizens In a June 2011, interview with the blogger Haystack, Benishek accused Democrats of scaring senior citizens. Benishek said What [the Democrats] are trying to do is scare our senior citizens into voting the way they want them to. Plain and simple. But the truth is, they have no answers to keep Medicare from going bankrupt. The only solution they have put forward is Obamacare. [Biggovernment.com, 6/02/11] And Intends to Keep Calling them Out Benishek stated that he intends to keep calling [the Democrats] and is tired of these false attacks. He continued saying that as a physician I take these false claims personally. [Biggovernment.com, 6/02/11] Supported Giving People the Option of Privatizing Social Security In December 2011, while meeting with constituents in Mohawk, MI, Benishek said [w]ell I think that option to personalize [sic] it would be a good idea. I mean I dont, I dont want toI mean its like this other bill of Mr. Ryan, if you have an option to do it and you might get a better return, and the money is yours, I mean right now the money is not yours. It belongs to the federal government; they can just change the rule at any time, and change Social Security for anybody. [YouTube, 12/29/11] Note: this video of this comment is saved on the drive.

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Tax Issues
Said He Wanted to Lower, Broaden Tax Rates and Close Loopholes In August 2011, Benishek said he supported lowering and broadening the tax rate while closing tax loopholes. He also said, It's kind of unreasonable for companies like General Electric to not pay any corporate taxes. I'm trying to get my staff to figure out how that is possible. [Petoskey News, 8/24/11] Said He Does Not Want to Raise Taxes on Small Business So Hiring Can Pick up again In August 2011 at an Escanaba town hall, Benishek said, "With a situation with unemployment like we have, you're talking about raising taxes on small business, and that's what we don't want to do. We want to make conditions good for people in business, so they'll hire people." [Daily Press, 8/30/11] Said the Tax Code Needs Overhauled Because of Competition for Tax Breaks In August 2011 at an Escanaba town hall, Benishek said, "The taxes could be overhauled - there's no doubt about it. It's a very complicated tax code. Nobody likes it; everybody thinks that there's somebody else that's getting more of a break than them." [Daily Press, 8/30/11]

Tea Party Technology Issues Trade Issues

Trade Pacts Could Add 400 Jobs to Michigan In July 2011, the Lansing State Journal reported trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea could boost Michigan exports by $44.6 million per year and add 400 jobs to the states agriculture industry. The approvals are being held up in the House over Democrats insistence that Trade Adjustment Assistance is included; the program helps workers who have lost jobs due to free trade agreements re-train, and Michigan has been a major beneficiary. Walberg supported the TAA in 2007. [Lansing State Journal, 7/30/11]

Transportation Issues Womens Issues

Called Contraception Mandate the Most Egregious Example of Federal Intrusion to Date In a February 2012 op-ed, Benishek said the Obama administrations mandate that employers provide contraception to their employees free of cost the most egregious example of federal intrusion to date. [Daily Press, 2/17/12]

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