Tag Archive for Congressman Kerry Bentivolio

Taking It Back

True Conservative to get back in the game for 2018

One of the most compelling curiosities of Michigan politics is the 11th congressional district.

In the 2012 election cycle, a little known veteran, farmer, and teacher, Kerry Bentivolio  challenged the popular Thaddeus McCotter for the 11th congressional seat in the Republican primary. Bentivolio was largely ignored and on his own with barely a notice even as he set up a Kiosk just outside the 2012 State convention in Detroit.

McCotter was not going to lose a primary to this particular unknown and things moved along as they do. Of course “as they do” can become crazy real fast in Michigan politics. The long [to NO] shot challenger soon found himself thrust into the position of defending a GOP seat in congress when things fell apart for McCotter.

Establishment types freaked out.

McCotter at first thought a write-in campaign would work, but then decided to roll with fate and pursue the next stage of his career.  At the same time, money players in the 11th sought out someone they thought might be ‘a better choice’ to defend the seat (and perhaps serve their ends) for the general election.

Even though write in campaigns are seldom successful, it was seen as the only way to keep a constitutional conservative, tea party guy from ‘screwing up’ the system.  Nancy Cassis was selected to challenge the new found politico Bentivolio for the primary, but as write-ins go, was easily trounced by the under funded and on the ballot new-pol by a margin of two to one.

Bentivolio served with honor and earned a 95% rating from freedomworks, 92% from the ACU, 91% from club for growth, and 83% from Heritage. Bentivolio was second only to Amash in constitutional on the Heritage rating and earned the top spot from a number of smaller conservative and small business organizations.

It wasn’t enough for the swamp however.  In 2014, there was already a challenge planned and fully funded, and with the establishment blockade placed on the newly installed congressman’s reelection coffers, he wasn’t able to survive a political fight with the well funded David Trott, who won easily with his own two to one margin.

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AFP Michigan – 2014 Tax Day Rally Livonia Video

Okay, for those of you you didn’t have the chance to attend one of the rallies scheduled across Michigan, I’ve posted video below from Saturday’s AFP Tax Day Rally at Schoolcraft College in Livonia (H/T KG Two).

All in all, the video I saw was interesting and informative.

Congressman Bentivolio was there meeting with attendees as they arrived, unfortunately they didn’t have him speaking to the group as a whole during the event.

Michigan State Senator Patrick Colbeck was there and gave a short speech about himself, his term in office and some of the shenanigans various groups, whom I strongly suspect were affiliated with The Center for Michigan, pull on incoming legislators.

WJR Air Personality Frank Beckmann was next. What I personally found curious is how his style in front of a live audience is subtly (but definitely noticeably) different than when he is on the air. He really needs to adopt the latter when he is on ‘JR.

Next was Town Hall Contributor and WIBC Indy Air Personality Tony Katz. Cigar quips aside, I had enjoyed his portion more than Beckmann’s, especially with his take on direct taxation and its history. Nothing against rooting for the “hometown” guy, he was just more interactive with the audience (with apologies to Aretha Franklin).

Bill McMaster was also there meeting with those attending, but he didn’t speak before the group either.

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