The case for and against Jesse Benton's professional campaign involvement

[erowe1]

Why did Benton go to work for McConnell? Think about it....


Just throwing that out there...

According to Benton, McConnell is the best boss he ever had.

This is because of McConnell's bill to postpone automatic spending cuts.

Think about that....

 

[Brian4Liberty]

So you are saying that Benton working for McConnell's campaign is a plus for Benton because it helped bring McConnell on board with Rand's 2016 run? This might be the first actual positive claim about Benton we have heard yet. I am inclined to agree that regardless of Benton's intent, Benton working for McConnell probably did help somewhat in that regard to get Mitch closer to the Pauls. This doesn't really change anything though about the negatives about him actually being involved with Rand 2016.

It seems like Rand and McConnell could "trade" endorsements without McConnell hiring Benton. No doubt the hiring did bring the camps closer, which should benefit Rand.

Obviously, McConnell needed some credibility and contacts with the Kentucky Tea Party grassroots. He probably believed that hiring Benton would bring that.

Related article:

Mitch McConnell's campaign manager resigns after Iowa bribery scandal deepens
By Sam Youngman - August 29, 2014

Jesse Benton, the campaign manager for U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, will resign his post as a bribery scandal from the 2012 presidential campaign threatens to envelop Benton and become a major distraction for McConnell's campaign.

Benton told the Herald-Leader that he met with McConnell on Friday afternoon and offered his resignation, which McConnell "reluctantly accepted."

Benton said he offered his resignation, effective Saturday, with a "heavy heart."

He maintained his innocence, faulting "inaccurate press accounts and unsubstantiated media rumors."

"This decision breaks my heart, but I know it is the right thing for Mitch, for Kentucky and for the country," Benton said.

Benton's name has surfaced in connection to a bribery scandal dating to his time as former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul's political director during the 2012 presidential election.

On Wednesday, former Iowa state Sen. Kent Sorenson pleaded guilty to accepting $73,000 from Paul's campaign in exchange for his endorsement and to obstruction of justice for lying about his involvement.

Sorenson's guilty plea included two sealed documents, which could threaten to involve Benton.

In a statement provided first to the Herald-Leader, Benton said there "is no more important cause for both Kentucky, my new home I have come to love, and our country than electing Mitch McConnell Majority Leader of the United States Senate."

"I believe this deep in my bones, and I would never allow anything or anyone to get in the way," Benton wrote. "That includes myself."

Benton said in his statement that "there have been inaccurate press accounts and unsubstantiated media rumors about me and my role in past campaigns that are politically motivated, unfair and, most importantly, untrue."

But Benton said he found it more "troubling" that the rumors "risk unfairly undermining and becoming a distraction to this re-election campaign."

"Working for Mitch McConnell is one of the great honors of my life," Benton said. "He is a friend, a mentor and a great man this commonwealth desperately needs. I cannot, and will not, allow any possibility that my circumstances will affect the voters' ability to hear his message and assess his record. This election is far too important and the stakes way too high."
...
Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, said the resignation probably won't have any immediate impact on McConnell's campaign organization since Benton has played a less visible role than McConnell's senior adviser, Josh Holmes, in recent months.

"Benton already served his role of helping McConnell appeal to the conservative base during the party primary, and a lot of campaign responsibilities had already passed from his shoulders," Voss said.

"The problem with the scandal is the negative attention it brings to the McConnell campaign, which will come regardless of whether it turns out Benton really did anything wrong," Voss said. "Any whiff of scandal within a campaign organization can bring criticism, because opponents suggest that it reflects on the judgment of the candidate who appointed the individual."
...
When Benton joined the McConnell camp, observers viewed it as a ploy by McConnell to quiet a restless Tea Party faction and win favor with Rand Paul.

That view was reinforced last year when a secret recording of Benton was released in which he said he was "holding my nose" working for McConnell in an effort to better position Rand Paul for a 2016 White House run.

When the tape became public, Benton expressed his regret for letting down McConnell, who is vying for a sixth term.

Earlier Friday, the McConnell campaign said it would be inappropriate for it to comment on the ongoing Iowa investigation.

"Sen. McConnell obviously has nothing to do with the Iowa presidential caucus or this investigation, so it would be inappropriate for his campaign to comment on this situation," McConnell campaign spokeswoman Allison Moore said in a statement.
...
"His presence in the McConnell camp was more of a bridge to Rand Paul's wing of the party than a reflection of the minority leader's longtime political organization," Voss said. "The photo of Benton holding his nose as he stands next to McConnell, a joke that nonetheless illustrated the distance between them, has gone from being a liability to being a defense for Team Mitch."
...
http://www.kentucky.com/2014/08/29/3402571_mitch-mcconnells-campaign-manager.html

 

[NewRightLibertarian]

Nope... Jesse was set... he could've continued working at C4L, or any other of Ron's organizations. Or he could've gotten a job outside of Ron's world making mega bucks.

It should be obvious to anyone now that Jesse went to work for Mitch because he was trying to position Rand for a 2016 Presidential run. And it paid off since Mitch has already endorsed Rand for President.



Seriously people, try to think through things instead of letting your emotions do the work

Benton was forced to resign from the McConnell campaign in disgrace. How is that paying off? And sorry, but nobody's believing that the corrupt crooked oaf who went down in a ball of flames was somehow in high demand after mismanaging the Ron Paul campaign. Perhaps that type of talk flies in your little bubble of politically-motivated butt kissers looking to make a buck off of Ron Paul, but grassroots folks here are not delusional and refuse to swallow that obvious BS.

 

[NoOneButPaul]

Based on the Sorensen issue alone I think he should be far, far, away from Rand's campaign.

 

[Matt Collins]

Why would McConnell endorse anyone for president who hasn't even announced yet?

- Mitch likes Rand
- Mitch likes the idea that someone from KY could be the GOP nominee for President
- Mitch knows that Rand could've given him a primary fight that could've cost him his political career...


Mitch does Rand a lot more good as Sen Maj Ldr than as some unelected guy on the street. Mitch is useful to Rand. And Mitch's re-election in large part depended on Rand.


Think it through.

What deal was made between them and the establishment? Drop out and endorse Romney in exchange for a future endorsement?

Rand had already promised to endorse the Republican nominee for President long before 2012 ever happened.

what makes you think he wouldn't turn on a dime if it was politically expedient in the future.

Because he is family and he is very loyal to his family.

 

[angelatc]

Having read the link provided by erowe I can say that some of Tom's advice in this particular instance was not actually too bad. But why didn't he just call up Ron himself and talk to him about it? Why tell Ron what to do in front of everyone? It's a lack of tact.

Some of his other postings were just outright childish.

I was going to stay out, but I know for a fact that Tom Woods did call Ron Paul and talk to him. I was not on the calls, but I was on calls with Tom pretty much on a daily basis during those days. Benton's tantrum came totally out of left field.

I also know that Ron Paul was not bothered by Woods' criticisms.

So now that I have estalished that Tom and Ron were talking, why did Jesse not pick up the phone and talk to Tom?

I have dealt with the campaign, and my impression of Jesse is that he is a mealy mouthed little self important worm who hasn't actually won an election. Yes, I remember the Rand Paul campaign, but David Adams won that primary, and the general was pretty much a gimme.

 

[mosquitobite]

I was campaign manager for a liberty candidate in 2012. I do not take credit for that win because I worked for an extremely popular candidate. How many campaign managers can people name as *THE REASON* a candidate won? No.

So the idea that Benton (or at least Collins) even wants to claim credit for Rand's 2010 Senate win frustrates me. A good campaign manager stays OUT of the spotlight. Benton fails on that notion. Most of his spotlight is negative.

 

[presence]

1) He's Facing Federal Election Fraud Charges
2) Born in 1977 ,Benton's political career began in 2000 when he worked with the Republican National Committee.
3) Basically straight from college into politics with paychecks in the 100K range from family members campaign funds.
4) It's ok for Jesse to air grievances about Tom because Jesse is "on the inside"
5) Rand Paul dropped Chris Hightower in 2009 for less. http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthr...olvement/page3
6) Jesse's definition of winning and what one must do to 'win' is exactly opposite of what the grassroot's definition of 'winning' is and what one must do to 'win'
7) Jessee sought to co-opt grassroot power and attempted to use it to further his own ends
8) I do not think his text message to Peter Schiff regarding Paul Fest was appropriate.
9) Benton was never a part of any campaign until he hooked up with Ron Paul's granddaughter. 2007, "He had no knowledge of Ron Paul, he was unemployed and affordable."
10) If you want to pit Tom Woods integrity and transparency against Jesse Benton, I will take Tom Woods 100 times out of 100.
11)undermining the campaign hurts the candidate. Duh... Jesse pretty much drove the nail in the coffin.
12) Rand bringing on Jesse Benton to his campaign team will demonstrate cronyism, nepotism and a lack of quality judgment
13) his management Ron Paul got fewer votes than RICK SANTORUM in 2012.
14) his management Ron Paul got fewer votes than NEWT GINGRICH in 2012.
15) Jesse Benton showed in 2012, he didn't know how to tailor a political message to HELP HIS CANDIDATE WIN.
16) Benton didn't know how to guide the energy of the grassroots
17) busy spraying Roundup everywhere trying to kill the grassroots.
18) wasted MILLIONS OF SUPPORTERS' DOLLARS and more importantly (and unfortunately) WASTED MONTHS OF THEIR LIVES.
19) use of RonPaul2012.com to defend a Mitt Romney endorsement.
20) the lack of transparency in and of itself is an indication of something.
21) Can you say that Rand won't have to defend him in some regard? Can you say that Rand won't have to cut ties in an embarrassing kerfuffle?
22) Benton's learning curve leeway is all used up and I'm having a hard time figuring out what, if anything, he has learned.
23) raised more money than the campaigns of Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich, and still couldn't win a single state's popular vote.
24) time and millions of dollars of the grassroots supporters helping Mitt Romney win the nomination
25) what makes you think he wouldn't turn on a dime if it was politically expedient in the future.
26) he is a mealy mouthed little self important worm who hasn't actually won an election.
27) A good campaign manager stays OUT of the spotlight. Benton fails on that notion. Most of his spotlight is negative.
28) We do know he had to resign from the McConnell campaign.
29) Based on the Sorensen issue alone I think he should be far, far, away
30) allegations of shady dealings is a red flag because the competition will use every negative thing out there to try and smear Rand.

I'll just take minutes... carry on

 

[newbitech]

I'll just take minutes... carry on

I see you haven't added the, "seen wondering around D.C. recently with a young intern, NOT his wife". That was a rumor I had heard.

 

[Matt Collins]

I was going to stay out, but I know for a fact that Tom Woods did call Ron Paul and talk to him. I was not on the calls, but I was on calls with Tom pretty much on a daily basis during those days.

Then why did he feel the need to post everything publicly if he was already talking to Ron?

Benton's tantrum came totally out of left field.

What "tantrum" are you talking about? It was Tom who threw a public fit over things.

I have dealt with the campaign, and my impression of Jesse is that he is a mealy mouthed little self important worm who hasn't actually won an election. Yes, I remember the Rand Paul campaign, but David Adams won that primary, and the general was pretty much a gimme.

You obviously don't have any clue what was going on behind the scenes there....

 

[satchelmcqueen]

Why start this thread?

No one here has a say in the matter, and given some of the rampant immaturity and lack of understanding of how to actually run a serious campaign, it's a good thing.

man, i have stayed out of this so far as to anything pertaining to what you have said, but come on now. i kinda see what youre saying about "no one here has a say in the matter", as in rand is the boss and we are not, BUT, if thats how it really is, then rand will have a problem. to what extent is to be determined. but actually we do have a say if jesse is involved or not via our support. lets not lose sight of that fact.

my take on this so far is this....jesse needs to bow out on his own for the good of the campaign, if that is even an issue as of now, and not take a chance of causing rand problems down the road. if the media still drills ron on the news letters, then rand has to see (as does jesse), that any involvement will hurt rands campaign.

it is very exciting to know that rand will probably run and run to win, and it would take a major shift in beliefs and character for me to not support rand, but if jesse is involved in any way, then i might just back away from this next election and just not participate. rand is my only choice and i hope that doesnt get ruined by bad decisions for campaign staff rolls.

thats my tiny bit of say....

 

[Natural Citizen]

Frankly, I'm far more concerned with other elements of a supposed run. I don't want another Bush advisor or a Rice speech writer selling the same old foreign policy and it doesn't change my view of that just because they do so by way of leeching off the popularity of "the next big thing" in politics. Some others, I take different issue with regard to their involvement. Will likely spend more of my energy there. Benton and Collins aren't worth a second of my time beyond that which I've already given. These are weapons of mass social distraction in my view. Jobbers. So...that's that.

 

[invisible]

You obviously don't have any clue what was going on behind the scenes there....

Please, tell us. What does benton uniquely bring to the plate, that is considered to be worth the controversy and division of supporters?

 

[Natural Citizen]

Please, tell us. What does benton uniquely bring to the plate, that is considered to be worth the controversy and division of supporters?

Perhaps it may be the controversy itself that makes it worth it to bring him. Similar to what we see with ISIL. You know? You want chaos if it's prescribed order that is the prize. Come on, invisible. This ain't rocket science. And even if it were, rocket science isn't really that hard. If I were campaigning, I think I'd much rather have some small timers on reserve to take prescribed heat instead of putting the real bad apples in danger of a genuine fire.

 

[mosquitobite]

What "tantrum" are you talking about? It was Tom who threw a public fit over things.

Why are you allowed to say this but the rest of us are not?

You have been asked to prove that Tom Woods threw a public fit in 2011 and have yet to do so. We're supposed to take your word for it.

Yet when someone on the other side of this disagreement posts an opposing opinion on how things went down you ask for "what tantrum" as if you deserve better proof than we do.

Put up your proof, or don't demand others do so. Someone even helped you out with one link and you insinuated that was just one part. So bring it, (mod edit)

 

[NewRightLibertarian]

Please, tell us. What does benton uniquely bring to the plate, that is considered to be worth the controversy and division of supporters?

What it comes down to is that Benton and Collins are lined up in front of the same paymasters. Political toadies know to stick together.

 

[Anti Federalist]

I can say from first hand experience, that the RP 2012 campaign in NH made it a point to alienate and discourage any grassroots efforts, even so far as to discourage lawn signs.

They, the "official" campaign, ignored me when I pleaded with them to pick up "Northern Pass" as a campaign issue and a Mitt Romney campaign bundler's tie to pro-NP interests.

I ran newspaper ads with my own money in NH, pointing all this out.

Those ads ran in northern NH, in areas most affected by Northern Pass and possible eminent domain takings by the state for private utility interests, a violation of the NH state constitution.

Ron Paul won Coos county, and he could have won the state.

I am convinced this was at the direction of Benton himself, as you would be hard pressed to make the case that, in the most important 2012 primary, you were not aware of issues that were important to NH voters.

The campaign took a dive, it did at the behest of Benton and whatever cozying up to Romney they were already engaged in.

RP could have won NH, and didn't, I'm convinced, because of Benton backdooring and Romney ass-kissing to further his own career.

I will have no part of Rand 2016 with a Jesse Benton in it.

 

[presence]

I will have no part of Rand 2016 with a Jesse Benton in it.

 

[Carlybee]

- Mitch likes Rand
- Mitch likes the idea that someone from KY could be the GOP nominee for President
- Mitch knows that Rand could've given him a primary fight that could've cost him his political career...


Mitch does Rand a lot more good as Sen Maj Ldr than as some unelected guy on the street. Mitch is useful to Rand. And Mitch's re-election in large part depended on Rand.


Think it through.



Rand had already promised to endorse the Republican nominee for President long before 2012 ever happened.


Because he is family and he is very loyal to his family.

I've never said MCConnell wasn't an advantageous ally..at least from the establishment side. I have no doubt he likes Rand. I still think it odd for anyone to endorse someone who is months out from even announcing they are running. It makes it look like a premeditated deal. It seems like a trump card that would've been trotted out at a more politically advantageous moment. I'm sure Benton is loyal to family when that's been pretty much his bread and butter..his stint with McConnell nonwithstanding.

/shrug

 

[Brian4Liberty]

I've never said MCConnell wasn't an advantageous ally..at least from the establishment side. I have no doubt he likes Rand. I still think it odd for anyone to endorse someone who is months out from even announcing they are running. It makes it look like a premeditated deal. It seems like a trump card that would've been trotted out at a more politically advantageous moment. I'm sure Benton is loyal to family when that's been pretty much his bread and butter..his stint with McConnell nonwithstanding.

/shrug

Yeah, there is no way of knowing for sure if Benton was involved (or how much) in the endorsements.

It's interesting that Rand endorsed McConnell way out in advance, and now McConnell is endorsing Rand in advance.