TRAVERSE CITY, MI (AP)-- Michigan's most competitive race for a U.S. House seat is in the northernmost district, where Republican Rep. Dan Benishek and Democratic challenger Gary McDowell are both predicting victory in Tuesday's election.
The 1st District race is a rematch from 2010, when Benishek easily won. He was a newcomer to politics and backed by tea party groups.
The Democratic National Campaign Committee considers the seat among its ripest takeover prospects.
Benishek says he'll win and it's just a question of the margin. He says his message of easing regulations on businesses is resonating across the 1st District, which covers the Upper Peninsula and the northern tier of the Lower Peninsula that includes Traverse City.
McDowell is banking on voter frustration with Washington and concern that Republicans will dismantle Medicare and Social Security.
