Benishek was a political unknown before being elected to Congress Tuesday
IRON MOUNTAIN -- When unknown Iron Mountain surgeon Dan Benishek announced he was running for Congress in March, most people didn't give him a chance.
An ordinary citizen, Benishek felt compelled to run after seeing what was happening in Washington. Tuesday night, his unlikely run ended in celebration as he defeated Democrat Gary McDowell.
"I'm just excited to be here, to tell you the truth,” said Benishek. “As you know, I won by a ‘Dan-slide’ in the primary, so this is certainly much nicer, and I realize that I have to represent all the people of the district."
The ‘Dan-slide’ Benishek refers to was his razor thin 15 vote victory in the primary.
Now with the election in the books, he is looking ahead to changing Washington and getting Upper Michigan back to work.
"Jobs are the number one priority, and I think we all understand that,” he said. “We cut government spending, cut taxes, and ease regulations. Let’s get small business back to business and hiring."
Benishek's victory was part of a wave of support nationally giving Republicans control of the House of Representatives.
But despite a 25,000 vote victory, Benishek said it's time to put politics aside.
"I'm going to be happy to work with anybody who wants to get this country going again,” he said. “It's not about the party--it's about serving the people of America and the 1st District. I think the people have spoken and pretty clearly."
Even though he won't take office until January, Benishek will be getting to work quickly, beginning with a congressional orientation in Washington on November 14.
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