Benishek Out - Arcand or Allen In? Michigan 1st Congressional Seat Wide Open

Michigan 1st District Congressman Dan Benishek (R), announced Today that he would not seek reelection, keeping with a self imposed term limit.

Dan Benishek

"Today I'm announcing that I won't seek re-election next year, which will allow me to focus my time and attention on helping our veterans and working to make things better for the families and workers throughout Northern Michigan, and devote more time to my family," said Benishek in a statement released to UPMatters.com.

Benishek promised to stay in Congress for only 3 terms when he first ran 6 years ago.   Once considered a Tea Party darling when he beat incumbent Bart Stupak (D), he fell from favor with the Tea Party for his votes on continueing resolutions that increased the national debt and continued to

Alan Arcand

fund Obamacare.

Two names being mention to replace Benishek include Alan Arcand - a  business owner from Iron Mountain Michigan and  former state Sen. Jason Allen, who lost to Benishek in the 2010 primary by just 15 votes.  Allen has served as deputy director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency since 2011.

Pencil-gate Did Pencils At Congressional District Election Already Predict Winners

Voters in Michigan's 1st Republican Congressional District have reported voting with pencils that had the winners of the night's elections already printed on them.   

1st Congressional District constituent Priscilla Miller stated on her Facebook page "Interesting!! I would love to see one of the Pencils passed out at last night's Michigan State GOP Convention. They just happened to list the names of ALL the candidates who won seats in the 1st Congressional District! Especially, since no 'Slates' of candidates running, were allowed! I for one do not believe in 'coincidence'!"

Antrim County Chair Trucker Randy Bishop, responded "the ENTIRE "Green Pencil Slate",..WON!!!

Jesse Osmer (Jesse was nominated by Triston Cole) - Chairman

John Haggard, Paul Neumier and Luke Londo (Luke was nominated by Greg MacMaster) won State Committeeman:

Kim MacMaster, Bev Bodem and Jeanne Cooper won State Committeewoman"