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.

Trott has served two terms and is quitting.  His Heritage rating is a pitiful and nearly flat 53%   Which drives home the fact that money in politics does not indicate quality. Conservative review has him ranked last of Republicans stunningly coming in behind even Fred Upton.

Trott is quitting however.  Good.

The 11th is a volatile district however, and there will likely be no fewer than eight congressional wannabes ready to rumble in a last-man-standing free-for-all melee that is guaranteed to hurt a lot of feelings, and maybe wreck a few otherwise on-track political aspirations. Notables such as former state rep Kurt Heise, state rep Klint Kesto, popular Rocky Raczkowski, and political newcomer Lena Epstein are already declared.

Declared as well, is the honorable Bentivolio, who will attempt to bring back to the district a respectable conservative score.  His press release issued today:

BENTIVOLIO FOR CONGRESS
510 Highland Road, #235
Milford, Michigan 48381
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 16, 2017

There is a battle that has been raging for the control of our government, power over our lives, and the direction of our future. It’s not being fought in trenches, jungles, or a desert. Instead, it is being played out in town halls, roundtables and local groups across the nation. The election of President Trump shows that in the fight between the People and the Swamp, the People are winning.

The theme of my first campaign has been the theme of America since its founding: Freedom leads to prosperity, and the job of government is to protect our rights, not take them away. That idea, that simple notion, has been the driving force that has made the United States of America the greatest nation in the history of the world. It’s something that our Founding Fathers enshrined in the very soul of America when they created our founding documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

I’m announcing an exploratory committee for Congress for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, because I can see that American Principles are under assault by the establishment in both parties. We need people in Congress who aren’t owned by special interests and who have the courage to rock the boat on behalf of the people. We need someone who is a principled conservative and has the record to prove it.

• 95% FreedomWorks score during my time in Congress.
• A Heritage Foundation rating 20 points higher than the average Republican.
• One of the most conservative members of Congress.
• Identified as the second most transparent member of Congress.
• Scored a 100% rating for cutting government waste and abuse.
• In my two years in Congress I effectively passed three pieces of Legislation with 100% bi-partisan support; passing safety protocols for Obamacare’s failing system and proposing laws to protect us from credit score scams, to name a couple.

We cannot continue to allow politicians to convince us to give up our freedoms. We cannot continue to allow the government to make the decisions for our lives. We cannot continue to allow both parties who are controlled by special interests, to tax us to death. We cannot continue the course we are on that is making us less prosperous, less healthy, and less free.

Over the next few months, defenders of the Swamp will discourage and distort facts. It is what they do. But I believe in the People of Michigan. Michigan folks have resilience and a willingness to help one another for the benefit of our families and community that is unmatched. Together we’ll get through this battle, together We the People can win.

In 2016 we took the first steps to take our government back in order to pass on a country to our children and grandchildren. But one election won’t change things — block by block, district by district, liberty lovers need to unite at the grassroots level to restore our government to one that is honored to serve its constituents. I’m like you and I’m ready to fight; I hope you’re willing to stand with me.

Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless America!
The Honorable Kerry Bentivolio
Member of the 113th United States Congress
http://kerrybentivolio.com/

Best of luck Congressman

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