Michigan’s 11th
Incumbent: Republican Rep. Kerry Bentivolio (1st term)
Primary: Aug. 5, 2014
Primary challenger: attorney David Trott
Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call race rating: Republican Favored
A former reindeer rancher, Santa Claus impersonator and veteran, Bentivolio made headlines recently for public comments about impeaching the president. Like his background, his path to Congress was anything but typical: When Rep. Thaddeus McCotter’s re-election signature petitions proved faulty in 2012, Bentivolio remained the only Republican on the ballot. He won the seat and has a target on his back ever since.
Last week, Trott — who boasts significant financial resources — announced he would challenge the libertarian freshman. Republicans in this suburban and exurban Detroit district hail from the party’s more moderate and business-friendly wing, giving Trott an advantage with the Oakland County political pooh-bahs.
But Trott comes with his own baggage as a foreclosure lawyer in the Detroit area. Still, Democrats privately concede they would rather face Bentivolio in the general election.
Bentivolio continues to have the backing of House GOP leadership, which helped him raise much-needed cash over the August recess. They’re likely interested in this race because the district could be competitive if the GOP nominee falters — although the composition leans Republican.
