Bentivolio Wins Special Primary Election to Fill McCotter's Seat

is now 2-for-2 in primary elections for a seat representing Michigan's 11th Congressional District.

Bentivolio, of Milford, already the Republican nominee in the Nov. 6 race for the next full two-year term, won a special primary election today in a race to fill the remainder for former Rep. Thaddeus McCotter's seat.

McCotter, a Livonia Republican, left his seat in July, citing a before his resignation, which included a that prevented McCotter's name from .

will include the beginning in January, so city voters did not cast ballots Wednesday, and will not decide who fills the remainder of McCotter's term. But voters in the 'old' 11th District helped Bentivolio soundly defeat a field of four other Republican candidates, including his Aug. 7 primary opponent Nancy Cassis of Novi. The race also included Steve King, Kenneth Crider and Carolyn Kavanagh. 

In Wayne County, Bentivolio carried 40.38 percent of the total vote with all precincts reporting, according to unofficial results provided by the county. Cassis garnered 31.53 percent.

In Oakland County, the race was closer. Bentivolio earned 43.79 percent of the total vote, while Cassis earned 43.49 percent with all precincts reporting, according to unofficial results provided by the county.

"We thank the voters for once again honoring me with their confidence and support," Bentivolio said in a written statement.

Bentivolio and Curson will face off on the Nov. 6 ballot to fill out the remainder of McCotter's term. The term will begin shortly after the Nov. 6 election and run through the end of 2012. Bentivolio also will appear on the same ballot, albeit in the newly redistricted 11th Congressional District, in a race against Canton Democrat for a full two-year term.