To the Journal editor:

I am writing to tell you and your readers why I am voting for Jerry Cannon for Congress.

First, we have watched Mr. Benishek bumble around for four years without a clue as to the truly important public police issues facing the First Congressional Distrcit, never wanting to talk about those issues or answer for his votes. Instead, he has followed the Republican House caucus lockstep on nearly every vote.

Benishek even voted against House Resolution 803 which would have raised the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 over three years. Despite all evidence to the contrary from states that have raised the minimum wage, Benishek says that raising the minimum wage would “kill jobs.” Jerry Cannon has said he would have voted for raising the minimum wage.

Second, Benishek has said he would like to privatize both Social Security and Medicare. At a candidate forum in July 2010, Benishek said, “Social Security and Medicare are bankrupt, and cannot be sustained the way they are … I agree that privatizing Social Security and Medicare is the only way to do it.” Imagine what would have happened to your Social Security if it has been invested in the stock market during the recession of 2007-2011.

Jerry Cannon has said that he will fight hard to protect Social Security and Medicare for generations to come and protect the integrity of those great programs.

Third, when Benishek voted against an amendment to HR 3606 in March 2012, he voted to let companies hide information on U.S. job losses when they ship out good jobs overseas.

We wonder why we are losing the middle class in America? Answer: Because companies are allowed to harvest tax benefits for sending good-paying jobs overseas. Jerry Cannon has said he would work to close tax loopholes that allow such awful practices to occur.

Fourth, many poeple report having Benishek not return phone calls, make referrals to other office holders, and otherwise blow-off requests for help. We need a real Congressman who cares, like Jerry Cannon. Jerry Cannon has promised to run a first class constituent service operation.

Finally, Jerry Cannon is running to be our Congressman, not our doctor. Jerry is a man who served our country most of his adult life, knows how to work hard and will make us proud.

That is why I am voting for Jerry Cannon for Congress.

Jon G. LaSalle

Marquette