Flint, Michigan – Republican Congressional Candidate John Kupiec pulled within 4 points of victory over 34 year incumbent Democratic Congressman Dale Kildee in Michigan’s 5th U.S. Congressional District. For the first time in history, Kildee has not led his opponent by at least 35 points.
Kildee’s long-time dominance in the Flint district has dissolved as unemployment rates hold steady at 13% due to the sharp decline of automotive manufacturing jobs.
EmediaC Inc.’s latest poll of voters in Michigan’s 5th district shows Kupiec is 4.4 points (45.6%) from winning. A poll conducted by the Detroit News confirms the closeness of the race.
“Flint’s economy is in crisis,” said John Kupiec, MI-5 Republican Congressional Candidate. “We’ve lost nearly 80,000 jobs in our district while Dale Kildee has been in office. Our cities are facing collapse. Mr. Kildee has had three decades to represent and protect mid-Michigan and he’s failed at every step of the way.”
Kupiec, a small business owner and farmer, is gaining support from traditionally democratic voters. Union workers are rallying to support Kupiec after Kildee’s bailout of General Motors allowed the company to sell one of its largest manufacturing plants to the Beijing government.
One of Kupiec’s keys to helping rebuild mid-Michigan’s economy is supporting and growing small businesses. Kupiec supports the repeal of billions of dollars in small business taxes Kildee voted for over the course of his 34 years in Congress.
Dale Kildee is desperate to retain his seat. The Kildee campaign’s spending is not generating new support or holding on to his traditional support. Federal Election Commission reports show Kildee has outspent the Kupiec campaign four to one.
