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Dan Benishek

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Dan Benishek
Image of Dan Benishek

Republican Party

Prior offices
U.S. House Michigan District 1
Successor: Jack Bergman
Predecessor: Bart Stupak

Compensation

Net worth

(2012) $2,249,028.50

Education

High school

West Iron County High School, Iron River, MI

Bachelor's

University of Michigan

Medical

Wayne State University Medical School

Personal
Religion
Christian: Catholic
Profession
Doctor

Daniel Joseph Benishek (April 20, 1952 - October 15, 2021) is a former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Michigan's 1st Congressional District from 2011 to 2017.

Benishek retired instead of seeking re-election to a fourth term in Congress in 2016.[1] Prior to his announcement on September 15, 2015, Benishek had stated that he would seek re-election, despite his initial claim in 2010 to limit himself to only three terms in office. Benishek addressed the issue in a statement. "Serving Northern Michigan has been – and continues to be – a privilege, and it is my sincere hope that the voters of the 1st district will allow me to continue representing them and their families. I recognize this conflicts with past statements I made when first running for office. After serving our veterans for 20-years as a doctor in our local VA hospitals, and now as the only Michigan member on the House Veterans Committee, I know that there is more work that must be done to ensure veterans are getting the benefits they have earned. But the fight to hold bureaucrats in Washington accountable won’t happen over night – it was a problem a long time in the making and will take a long time to undo. I believe I bring a unique perspective to overcoming those challenges as well as others facing families throughout the 1st District, and my hope is voters will agree."[2] Benishek provided little explanation as to why he again changed his mind and decided to retire but said he would be able to "focus my time and attention" on helping veterans and families in Michigan's 1st Congressional District.[1]

Benishek died on October 15, 2021.[3]

Biography

Benishek was born in 1952 in Iron River, Michigan. After graduating from West Iron County High School in 1970, Benishek went on to earn his B.S. at the University of Michigan in 1974, followed by his M.D. at Wayne State University Medical School in 1978. Prior to his political career, Benishek worked as a physician.[4]

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Benishek's academic, professional, and political career:[4]

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2015-2016

Benishek served on the following committees:[5]

2013-2014

Benishek served on the following committees:[6]

2011-2012

Benishek served on the following House committees:[7]

Key votes

114th Congress

CongressLogo.png

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[8][9] For more information pertaining to Benishek's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[10]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015
See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
Yea3.png On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Benishek was one of 86 Republicans to vote in favor of TAA.[11][12]
Trade promotion authority
Yea3.png On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Benishek was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure.[13][14]
Trade promotion authority second vote
Nay3.png After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Benishek was one of 50 Republicans to vote against the amendment.[15][16]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
Yea3.png The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Benishek was one of 111 Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295.[17][18]

Defense spending authorization

Yea3.png On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Benishek voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill.[19] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[20]

Yea3.png On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.[21][22] Benishek voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.[23] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[24]

2016 Budget proposal

Yea3.png On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Benishek voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill.[25][26][27]

2015 budget

Yea3.png On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.[28] Benishek voted with 78 Republicans and 187 Democrats in favor of the bill.[29] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.[30] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal
See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

Yea3.png On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Benishek voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill.[31][32]


Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
Nay3.png On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Benishek voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill.[33][34]


Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
Yea3.png On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Benishek voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill.[35][36]


Presidential non-compliance of section 2
Yea3.png On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Benishek voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution.[37][38]

Export-Import Bank

Yea3.png On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.[39] Benishek voted with 126 Republicans and 186 Democrats in favor of the bill.[40]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

Yea3.png On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Benishek voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[41][42]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Yea3.png On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Benishek voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill.[43][44]

Cyber security

Yea3.png On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.[45] Benishek voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.[46]

Yea3.png On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[47] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Benishek voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill.[48]

Immigration

Yea3.png On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.[49] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Benishek voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill.[50]

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[51] For more information pertaining to Benishek's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[52]

National security

NDAA

Yea3.png Benishek voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[53]

DHS Appropriations

Yea3.png Benishek voted for HR 2217 - the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[54]

CISPA (2013)

Yea3.png Benishek voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[55]

Economy

Farm Bill (2014)

Yea3.png On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.[56] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[57][58] It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[58] Benishek voted with 161 other Republican representatives in favor of the bill.

Budget (2014)

Yea3.png On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[59][60] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582-page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[60] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[61] It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Benishek voted with the majority of the Republican Party in favor of the bill.[59]

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Yea3.png On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[62] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[63] Benishek voted in favor of the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[64]

Yea3.png The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[65] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Benishek voted for HR 2775.[66]

Federal Pay Adjustment Act

Yea3.png Benishek voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.[67]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Yea3.png Benishek voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.[68] The vote largely followed party lines.[69]

Healthcare

Healthcare Reform Rules

Yea3.png Benishek voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[70]

Social issues

Abortion

Yea3.png Benishek voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[71]

Government affairs

HR 676

See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration

Yea3.png On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit.[72] Benishek joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.[73][74]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Yea3.png Benishek voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 85 Republicans that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[75]


Issues

Presidential preference

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Benishek endorsed Donald Trump for the 2016 presidential general election.[76]

See also: Endorsements for Donald Trump

2012

See also: Endorsements by state officials of presidential candidates in the 2012 election

Dan Benishek endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.[77]

Elections

2016

See also: Michigan's 1st Congressional District election, 2016

Michigan's 1st Congressional District was a battleground district in 2016. Incumbent Dan Benishek (R), who began serving in Congress in 2010, left his seat open by choosing not to seek re-election in 2016. Jack Bergman (R), a retired USMC general, defeated Michigan Democratic Party leader Lon Johnson (D), Diane Bostow (L), and Ellis Boal (G) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Bergman defeated Tom Casperson, a state senator, and Jason Allen, a former state senator in the Republican primary. On the Democratic side, Johnson defeated former Kalkaska County Sheriff Jerry Cannon to win the nomination. The primary elections took place on August 2, 2016.[78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87]

U.S. House, Michigan District 1 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJack Bergman 54.9% 197,777
     Democratic Lon Johnson 40.1% 144,334
     Libertarian Diane Bostow 3.7% 13,386
     Green Ellis Boal 1.3% 4,774
Total Votes 360,271
Source: Michigan Secretary of State


U.S. House, Michigan District 1 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngLon Johnson 71.6% 31,677
Jerry Cannon 28.4% 12,539
Total Votes 44,216
Source: Michigan Secretary of State


U.S. House, Michigan District 1 Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngJack Bergman 38.6% 33,632
Tom Casperson 31.9% 27,813
Jason Allen 29.4% 25,607
Total Votes 87,052
Source: Michigan Secretary of State

2014

BattlegroundRace.jpg
See also: Michigan's 1st Congressional District elections, 2014

The 1st Congressional District of Michigan held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. The 1st District was considered one of Ballotpedia's battleground districts in 2014. Incumbent Rep. Dan Benishek (R) won by only 1,881 votes in 2012. The district saw recent changes in its electorate, with Obama narrowly winning the district in 2008, but Romney claiming victory in 2012. Both the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee took notice of this district, adding both Benishek and Democratic challenger Jerry Cannon, a former sheriff, to their respective election programs. Benishek won the Republican nomination against Alan Arcand in the primary on August 5, 2014. Benishek then defeated Jerry Cannon (D), Ellis Boal (Green Party) and Loel Gnadt (L) on November 4, 2014, in the general election.

U.S. House, Michigan District 1 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngDan Benishek Incumbent 52.1% 130,414
     Democratic Jerry Cannon 45.3% 113,263
     Libertarian Loel Robert Gnadt 1.5% 3,823
     Green Ellis Boal 1.1% 2,631
Total Votes 250,131
Source: Michigan Secretary of State
U.S. House, Michigan District 1 Republican Primary, 2014
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngDan Benishek Incumbent 69.7% 49,540
Alan Arcand 30.3% 21,497
Total Votes 71,037
Source: Michigan Secretary of State

2012

See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan, 2012

Benishek won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Michigan's 1st District.[88] He ran unopposed in the August 7 Republican primary. He then defeated Gary McDowell (D), Emily Salvette (L) and Ellis Boal (G) in the general election on November 6, 2012.[89]

Dan Benishek campaign ad[90]
U.S. House, Michigan District 1 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Gary McDowell 47.6% 165,179
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngDan Benishek Incumbent 48.1% 167,060
     Libertarian Emily Salvette 3.1% 10,630
     Green Ellis Boal 1.2% 4,168
Total Votes 347,037
Source: Michigan Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Polls

Gary McDowell vs. Dan Benishek
Poll Gary McDowell Dan BenishekUndecidedMargin of errorSample size
(June 25, 2012)
 40%38%22%+/-4.9402
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Targeted

Benishek was targeted for defeat in the 2012 elections by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.[91]

Full history


Campaign themes

2012

The following were several policy positions highlighted on Benishek's campaign website.[93]

  • Budget & Spending

Excerpt: "Dr. Benishek has supported measures to reduce federal spending, erase the annual deficits, and provide a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution."[94]

  • Healthcare

Excerpt: "Dr. Benishek strongly supports the repeal of President Obama’s health care bill, the 'Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act' (PPACA), and is been extremely concerned about the impact that this law could have, should it remain in place."[95]

  • Growing Small Business

Excerpt:"He is supportive of efforts that will help decrease burdensome regulations on small businesses and policies that will grant small business owners the ability to reinvest profits to expand and create jobs. In addition, Dr. Benishek is supportive of efforts to lower tax rates on businesses and simplify the tax code, which he believes will create opportunities for businesses to invest, expand and become more competitive."[96]

  • Saving Medicare

Excerpt: "Dr. Benishek has supported a plan to make Medicare permanently solvent, which was developed with bipartisan support. This plan will make no changes for existing retirees or those nearing retirement—anyone age 55 or older."[97]

  • Life

Excerpt: "Dr. Benishek believes that life begins at conception. During his time in Congress, Dr. Benishek has worked to promote a culture of life which, among other things, upholds and actively supports pro-life policies."[98]

  • Solidly 2nd Amendment

Excerpt: "Dr. Dan Benishek believes the right to bear arms is a fundamental right that should be protected for all law-abiding citizens of the U.S."[99]

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Dan Benishek campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2014U.S. House (Michigan, District 1)Won $2,114,648 N/A**
2012U.S. House Michigan District 1Won $2,221,760 N/A**
2010U.S. House Michigan District 1Won $1,379,311 N/A**
Grand total$5,715,719 N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal Gain Index

Congressional Personal Gain Index graphic.png
See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives
Net Worth Metric graphic.png

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Benishek's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $1,217,057 and $3,281,000. That averages to $2,249,028.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Benishek ranked as the 140th most wealthy representative in 2012.[100] Between 2004 and 2012, Benishek's calculated net worth[101] decreased by an average of 13 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[102]

Dan Benishek Yearly Net Worth
YearAverage Net Worth
2009$3,770,260
2012$2,249,028
Growth from 2009 to 2012:−40%
Average annual growth:−13%[103]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[104]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). In the 113th Congress, Benishek was the chair of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Veterans' Affairs' committee on Health. Benishek received the second most career donations from Health Professionals. Benishek received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Leadership PACs industry.

From 2009-2014, 31.79 percent of Benishek's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[105]

Donation Concentration Metric graphic.png
Dan Benishek Campaign Contributions
Total Raised $5,098,725
Total Spent $4,209,658
Chair of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs' Subcommittee on Health
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Leadership PACs$587,603
Health Professionals$527,175
Oil & Gas$188,392
Retired$182,808
Candidate Committees$134,751
% total in top industry11.52%
% total in top two industries21.86%
% total in top five industries31.79%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Benishek was a rank-and-file Republican as of July 2014.[106] This was the same rating Benishek received in June 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.[107]

Benishek most often voted with:

Benishek least often voted with:


Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Benishek missed 49 of 3,358 roll call votes from January 2011 to September 2015. This amounted to 1.5 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.[108]

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Benishek paid his congressional staff a total of $853,111 in 2011. He ranked 84th on the list of the lowest paid Republican representative staff salaries and ranked 99th overall of the lowest paid representative staff salaries in 2011. Overall, Michigan ranked 13th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[109]

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Benishek ranked 191st in the conservative rankings in 2013.[110]

2012

Benishek ranked 129th in the conservative rankings in 2012.[111]

2011

Benishek ranked 106th in the conservative rankings in 2011.[112]

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Benishek voted with the Republican Party 91.2 percent of the time, which ranked 195th among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2014.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

2013

Benishek voted with the Republican Party 96.4 percent of the time, which ranked 140th among the 233 House Republican members as of June 2013.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Benishek lived in Crystal Falls, Michigan, with his wife, Judy. They had five children.[113]

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Dan + Benishek + Michigan + House


Dan Benishek News Feed

See also

External links


Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Detroit Free Press, "Benishek abruptly announces retirement at end of term," September 15, 2015
  2. ↑ Interlochen Public Radio, "U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek says he's running again in 2016," March 24, 2015
  3. ↑ The Hill, "Former Republican Rep. Dan Benishek dies at 69," October 17, 2021
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Biographical Guide to Members of Congress, "Dan Benishek," accessed December 11, 2011
  5. ↑ U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, "Committee Information," accessed February 18, 2015
  6. ↑ CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed March 3, 2013
  7. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "House of Representatives Committee Assignments," accessed December 11, 2011
  8. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015
  9. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
  10. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
  11. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 361," June 12, 2015
  12. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
  13. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 362," June 12, 2015
  14. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
  15. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 374," June 18, 2015
  16. ↑ Politico, "Trade turnaround: House backs new power for Obama," June 18, 2015
  17. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 388," June 24, 2015
  18. ↑ The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
  19. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
  20. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
  21. ↑ The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
  22. ↑ Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
  23. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
  24. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
  25. ↑ Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
  26. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 183," accessed May 5, 2015
  27. ↑ The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
  28. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
  29. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
  30. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
  31. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015," accessed May 16, 2015
  32. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 226," accessed May 16, 2015
  33. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3461," accessed September 11, 2015
  34. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 493," accessed September 11, 2015
  35. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3460," accessed September 10, 2015
  36. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 494," accessed September 11, 2015
  37. ↑ Congress.gov, "H Res 411," accessed September 10, 2015
  38. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 492," accessed September 10, 2015
  39. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 597," accessed November 2, 2015
  40. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 576," accessed November 2, 2015
  41. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
  42. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 224," accessed May 26, 2015
  43. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," accessed May 16, 2015
  44. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "HR 36," accessed May 16, 2015
  45. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1731," accessed November 2, 2015
  46. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 173," accessed November 2, 2015
  47. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act," accessed November 1, 2015
  48. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 170," accessed November 1, 2015
  49. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015," accessed November 20, 2015
  50. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 643," accessed November 20, 2015
  51. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013
  52. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
  53. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  54. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 2217 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  55. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 624 - CISPA (2013) - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  56. ↑ Clerk of U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 31: H.R. 2642," accessed February 12, 2014
  57. ↑ Politico, "House clears farm bill," accessed February 12, 2014
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 New York Times, "Senate passes long-stalled farm bill, with clear winners and losers," accessed February 12, 2014
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 CNN.com, "House passes compromise $1.1 trillion budget for 2014," accessed January 20, 2014
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 21," accessed January 20, 2014
  61. ↑ Roll Call, "House passes $1.1 trillion omnibus," accessed January 15, 2014
  62. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  63. ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013
  64. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  65. ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
  66. ↑ U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
  67. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  68. ↑ The Library of Congress, "H.AMDT.136," accessed September 16, 2013
  69. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  70. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  71. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  72. ↑ U.S. House, "House Resolution 676," accessed July 30, 2014
  73. ↑ Associated Press, "Suing Obama: GOP-led House gives the go-ahead," July 31, 2014
  74. ↑ Washington Post, "House clears way for lawsuit against Obama," accessed July 30, 2014
  75. ↑ U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013
  76. ↑ The Detroit News, "Trump split grows in Michigan GOP delegation," June 16, 2016
  77. ↑ Mitt Romney for President, "Mitt Romney Announces Support of Michigan Congressman Dan Benishek," January 20, 2012
  78. ↑ Interlochen Public Radio, "U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek says he's running again in 2016," March 24, 2015
  79. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Benishek abruptly announces retirement at end of term," September 15, 2015
  80. ↑ WMUK, "Michigan Democratic Party Leader Could Run for Congress," June 22, 2015
  81. ↑ Facebook, "Mobile Uploads," August 23, 2015
  82. ↑ Up Matters, "It's official: Casperson to run for U.S. House of Representatives," November 9, 2015
  83. ↑ MLive, "Former Sen. Jason Allen to run for Michigan's 1st congressional district," January 14, 2016
  84. ↑ WBKB-TV, "USMC retiree announces candidacy for MI 1st Congressional District seat," March 3, 2016
  85. ↑ Politico, "Michigan House Primaries Results," August 2, 2016
  86. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Candidate Listing," accessed September 6, 2016
  87. ↑ CNN, "Election Results," accessed November 8, 2016
  88. ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map, Michigan"
  89. ↑ Associated Press primary results
  90. ↑ Benishek's Campaign Website, "News," accessed October 5, 2012
  91. ↑ http://www.freep.com/article/20120118/NEWS15/120118041/Red-to-blue-Democrats-target-one-Michigan-soon-to-be-district Detroit Free Press, "Red to blue? Democrats target one Michigan soon-to-be district," January 18, 2012]
  92. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
  93. ↑ Benishek's Official Campaign Website, "Issues," accessed October 5, 2012
  94. ↑ Benishek's Official Campaign Website, "Issues:Budget and Spending," accessed October 5, 2012
  95. ↑ Benishek's Official Campaign Website, "Issues:Healthcare," accessed October 5, 2012
  96. ↑ Benishek's Official Campaign Website, "Issues: Economy/Jobs," accessed October 5, 2012
  97. ↑ Benishek's Official Campaign Website, "Issues: Taking on Washington," accessed October 5, 2012
  98. ↑ Benishek's Official Campaign Website, "Issues: Life," accessed October 5, 2012
  99. ↑ Benishek's Official Campaign Website, "Issues: 2nd Amendment" accessed October 5, 2012
  100. ↑ OpenSecrets, "Benishek (R-MI), 2012," accessed February 18, 2014
  101. ↑ This figure represents the average annual percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or their first year in office (as noted in the chart below) to 2012, divided by the number of years calculated.
  102. ↑ This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
  103. ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.
  104. ↑ This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see the Congressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.
  105. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Dan Benishek," accessed September 25, 2014
  106. ↑ GovTrack, "Dan Benishek," accessed July 29, 2014
  107. ↑ OpenCongress, "Dan Benishek," accessed July 29, 2014
  108. ↑ GovTrack, "Dan Benishek," accessed October 19, 2015
  109. ↑ LegiStorm, "Dan Benishek," accessed December 20, 2013
  110. ↑ National Journal, "2013 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed July 29, 2014
  111. ↑ National Journal, "TABLE: House Liberal Scores by Issue Area," February 26, 2013
  112. ↑ National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012
  113. ↑ Official House Site, "Biography," accessed December 11, 2011
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