Northern Michigan’s congressman says he plans to run again in 2016.
Dan Benishek represents Michigan’s first congressional district, and plans to run for a fourth term.
"I’m happy to serve the people of northern Michigan if they’ll have me. And I’ve decided that I’m gonna try to stay a little longer,” Benishek said.
During the 2010 campaign, Benishek signed a pledge to support limiting representatives to three terms. He released a statement Tuesday night acknowledging that his decision conflicts with what he said in 2010.
He says he has more work to do in the House committee on veterans affairs, where he has a leadership position.
“It’s important work. I’m glad of the place I’ve found in the congress. I think that’s a good place for me to be," he said.
Democrats are attacking him for breaking his pledge and deciding to run for a fourth term.
Matt Thornton is the communications director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
“I think he’s really harmed his credibility with voters in the district by breaking his pledge to only serve three terms. And I think that that makes this seat certainly one that we’ll be keeping a close eye on,” Thornton said.
Benishek says he needs to stay in Washington to "hold bureaucrats in Washington accountable."
