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Benishek Staffer Wins Roll Call 2014 Election Contest

2014VulnerableSenators
2014VulnerableSenators

“I am incredibly surprised to get this email, since I never win contests,” the legislative assistant for Rep. Dan Benishek, R-Mich., wrote to us, adding that he has lost “badly” in other picking contests such as March Madness brackets and fantasy football. To beat out the nearly 1,000 other completed entries, Stewart accurately predicted 12 out of 12 close Senate contests, and nine of the 10 House seats CQ Roll Call figured would be the most difficult to call. The 10th House seat, a final holdout in Arizona’s 2nd District, might be Stewart’s one miss, but we will have to wait for a recount there to finish this month to be sure (Note: Stewart wins either way).  

What’s his secret?  

“I just spent a lot of time poring over polling data, examining FEC filings, and compulsively hitting refresh on Roll Call’s website,” he said. “Then I hurriedly filled out my submission at the last second when I realized that I was about to miss the deadline for entry.”  

He is invited to join members of the Roll Call Politics team for a meal at Vendetta Bocce Bar & Tavern at 1212 H St. NE, for a discussion about this year’s midterms and some insight into what’s expected in the 2016 elections.  

“I love Vendetta and look forward to collecting my prize,” he said. “Even though the idea of hanging out in a bar with several reporters is terrifying for most of us non-communications staffers on the Hill.”  


The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress


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