Dems Attack Benishek On 'Integrity'

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Election Coverage
Other episodes in this series: 
IPR News Features
Date: 
September 28, 2010

By Linda Stephan

The state Democratic Party is questioning Republican Dan Benishek's character, based on a child support case from 20 years ago.

Dr. Benishek is hoping to take over Bart Stupak's long-held congressional seat.

Monday, the Michigan Messenger reported that, 20 years ago, Benishek tried to hide $100,000 dollars of his income so that it would not be factored into the child support he'd be ordered to pay his ex-wife.

Now Democratic Chair Mark Brewer has questioned Benishek's integrity, saying, "Hypocrisy is always relevant."

A Benishek campaign spokesman says Benishek and his ex simply disagreed on the facts at the time, and that he complied with the judge's orders.

His ex-wife and daughter have both issued written statements through the campaign, calling this story "disgusting," and "tabloid-style politics."

Democrats deny using negative campaign messaging as a strategy in a race where polls show they may be lagging. Benishek faces Democrat Gary McDowell this November.

Community Discussion Rules

Comments

Dan Benishek

Interlochen Public Radio permits its forum to be used for tabloid smears with no regard for the truth. I'd always thought better of public radio... what gives?

Moderation note

IPR is glad to be a forum for thoughtful discussion. But we ask that all parties please remember to stick to the issues at hand.

Dr. Dan Benishek

Here we have a public radio forum that serves as a tabloid style gossip and misinformation sheet. For shame. I've supported public radio stations in the past, but I sure won't be supporting this one! The nature of the comments causes me to wonder why IPR permits the posting. Substantive and supported disagreements are to be encouraged. This is nothing but slime.

Voters are acting like jilted spouses...

...who are upset at the way their husband or wife has been acting, and then jump into the sack with the first slick talking dirtbag or homewrecking slut who comes along as "payback." (i.e. Voting for a Republican). Only, the next morning, after the deed is done they find out they just contracted Ghonorrhea and their wallet/purse is missing.

Dr. Benishek is truly a dirtbag.

And shame on his ex-wife and daughter defending this greedy piece of human sludge, when they know better. You can bet that if he tried to defraud his own wife and daughter, he would do this to the voters of the district and the taxpayers of America. Amnyone who votes for this slimeball has serious mental problems.

Drt. Benishek

That name calling and false lies in politics have started. Dr. Benishek truly is a good guy who wants to get back to a responsible smaller government, lower taxes, quality education for our kids, and promoting policies (and getting rid of bad polices) that promote jobs in this country. What is even more important he's stated he doesn't want to be a career politician. Your choices: a) If you want to be co-dependent on government and have government determine your health care, salary, housing, food choices, the car your drive, etc. you'll vote Democrat. b) If you want less government intervention in your life, lower taxes, the right to choose your child's education, and quality of life then you'll vote Republican. Its your choice.

We need Integrity

I like how in every speech Dr. Dan gives he starts with "We need jobs, we need INTEGRITY", apparently we still do, since our "integrity" apparently can't come from Dr. Dan being elected.

November is coming

Funny the Democrats never asked his exwife before running this attack. She and the children support him completely. Why did Gary McDowell vote to decrease school funding and increase taxes? Why did Gary McDowell vote to demand the report of hispanic abortions? When is Gary McDowell going to demand Congress say no to the largest tax hike in history?

What? Dan Benishek lies?

Who would have guessed that Dan Benishek started lying long before he went ice fishing with a couple of friends and decided to run for office? http://www.redstate.com/ettu/2010/07/14/dan-benishek-lies

Wilson SUX

Glenn Wilson is a RINO and his campaign is disgusting. If he weren't a RINO, why isn't he going after McDowell? I will tell you why! Because he's a slimy Dem is disguise. He's lying his way across the Upper Peninsula and perpetuating slime tactics. Admit it, Wilson. Who's behind the personal slurs? Dems, right? Then why are YOU behind it?

Why not send businessman to DC???

One without any political strings attached... Glenn Wilson, citizen candidate, Independent for Congress, 1st Congressional District...

Enough already!

Apparently taking an oath means nothing,to this man, since he knowingly misstated his earnings under "oath". Did the IRS ever investigate his setting up a company to receive unrecorded and un taxed income, in order to keep from having his child support increased? The judge determine there was an "extremely significant discrepancy" of $100,000. This behavior represents a red flag for voters who have had "enough" with lawmakers who believe that laws are made for everyone but themselves!

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