Benishek endorses UP's Casperson

LANSING — State Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, picked up the endorsement of the man he hopes to replace.

Casperson’s campaign announced Thursday U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek was endorsing Casperson in the race for Michigan’s First Congressional District.

“Tom has a proven record of fighting for northern Michigan families, not only as a state senator, but also as a small business owner and father. I put my trust in Tom to continue the important work of reforming the Veterans Administration health care system, so that our veterans get the care they deserve,” Benishek said.

“He has been a consistent voice working to grow our economy and enhance opportunities for workers. I know Tom will bring our values to Washington, and he has the experience and ability to get things done. With his leadership and dedication to conservative solutions that will help northern Michigan families, we will be lucky and well-served to have him as our Congressman. With Tom as our voice, I assure you that Washington will listen,” Benishek said.

Casperson is running against former state legislator Jason Allen, of Traverse City, in the Republican primary race.

On the Democratic side, former Democratic Party chairman Lon Johnson is facing off against Jerry Cannon, a retired Kalkaska County sheriff and Army National Guard major general.

— Richard Jenkins