Incumbent Congressman Bentivolio Polling at 7% as a Write-In

Michigan Congressman Kerry Bentivolio was defeated by attorney David Trott in a Republican primary landslide back in August, but he’s not hanging it up just yet. The one-term Bentivolio, who was elected in 2012 after Congressman Thad McCotter failed to submit enough valid signatures to earn a spot on the ballot, is mounting a write-in campaign.

The first public poll from the race shows Trott leading Democratic nominee Bobby McKenzie by 47% to 35%. The incumbent draws the support of 7% of voters and 2% support Libertarian James Tatar.

Realistic about his chances, Bentivolio is hoping his write-in effort helps bring out conservatives to also support Republican U.S. Senate nominee Terry Lynn Land. The Congressman claims that Trott’s campaign staff has been provoking him, attacking him and his family on social media even after the primary was over.

“I put them on notice: If they didn’t stop I’m probably going to end up doing a write-in campaign,” Bentivolio said. “And they didn’t stop.”

“I don’t think we’ll get enough votes to keep the opponent from getting elected,” Bentivolio said. “All I’m concerned about is getting people who want a voice through a protest vote to do a protest vote and vote for Terry Lynn Land.”