Dan Benishek Reaches ‘Contender’ Status

Washington- The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Republican Dan Benishek (MI-01) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program, with Benishek now facing a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to win the open seat race for Michigan’s First Congressional District. Benishek is running for the seat currently occupied by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), who announced his retirement after selling out his supposedly “pro-life” values and supported a government takeover of healthcare that allowed for taxpayer-funded abortions.

Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Benishek has already proven his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.

“Dan Benishek has already proven that he will be a formidable candidate by meeting the Young Guns program’s rigorous goals and is well on his way to building a winning campaign that will put this seat in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Dan is part of a strong and growing pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. His campaign has put Congressional Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”

A Michigan native, Dan Benishek is fed up with Washington Democrats’ runaway spending and failed economic policies. A practicing surgeon, he vehemently opposes the government takeover of the healthcare industry. Instead, Benishek stands for limited government and conservative values. He aims to bring jobs to Northern Michigan and stimulate the lagging economy by brining fiscal responsibility back to Washington. Benishek entered the race long before Stupak betrayed his own principles, but quickly capitalized on the incumbent’s decision to back ObamaCare, raising over $200,000 in a matter of days. He and his wife, Judy, live in Crystal Falls. They have five children and two grandchildren.

While already having achieved certain benchmarks to place him on the road to victory, Dan Benishek now faces a new set of rigorous goals that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build a competitive, effective and winning campaign.

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