When Dan Benishek ‘s campaign caught fire this week, after Rep. Bart Stupak, the pro-life Michigan Democrat voted for the health-care bill after adamantly opposing it on the grounds that it would provide federal funding for abortions, Benishek’s only presence on the web was a Facebook page with 700 fans. Shortly thereafter, he created a crude web page. Then the media coverage started.
Now Benishek has a professional campaign website and 20,771 Facebook fans.
Before:
And after:
Screenshots courtesy of the ever-industrious Alex Pappas, who reports that the everyday man Benishek has apparently hired some pros to help with his online presence: The folks over at politicaltechnology.com developed his Web site and Eric Wilson, who works at social media guru Patrick Ruffini’s company Engage, is listed as an administrator on Benishek’s Facebook page.
Pappas further reports: An NRCC official, asked about reports that Benishek is the favorite among national Republicans, told The Daily Caller that, “At this point, the nomination is his to lose.”
Other Republicans eyeing the seat include attorney Linda Goldthorpe, retired businessman Don Hooper and Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox.
“We’ve been very impressed with Dan Benishek’s ability to raise money and establish a foothold in the online community,” the official said.