David Alan Curson (November 4, 1948 – September 23, 2024) was an American union representative and politician who was a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Michigan's 11th congressional district. He is known for having one of the shortest terms in congressional history. Curson defeated Kerry Bentivolio in a special election to replace former Representative Thaddeus McCotter, who resigned in the summer of 2012, and served less than two months. He was a member of the Democratic Party.[3] Curson was a representative for the United Auto Workers.[3]
David Curson | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2012 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 11th district | |
| In office November 13, 2012 – January 3, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Thaddeus McCotter |
| Succeeded by | Kerry Bentivolio |
| Personal details | |
| Born | David Alan Curson November 4, 1948 Toledo, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | September 23, 2024 (aged 75) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sharon Curson |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Toledo[1] Washtenaw Community College Eastern Michigan University University of Michigan[2] |
| Occupation | Union representative |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
Early life, education, and career
editCurson was born in Toledo, Ohio, to George Curson, a heavy equipment operator for Washington Township, Lucas County, Ohio. He is the youngest of six children. After graduating from high school in 1966, Curson followed in the footsteps of his mother, working at the Libby-Owens-Ford Glass Company, and attended the University of Toledo. However, he dropped out without finishing a degree in order to serve in the United States Marine Corps. After returning from service, he began work at the Ford Rawsonville Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
United Auto Workers service
editWhile working at the Ford Rawsonville Plant, Curson became involved with the UAW and was elected as a representative for the organization. He has been a long-time member of the International Union staff and has served as director of special projects and economic analysis, executive assistant to V.P. Ron Gettelfinger, executive assistant to President Steve Yokich and executive assistant to Secretary Treasurer Dennis Williams. He began negotiating Big Three contracts in 1982 and also testified on behalf of Chrysler and GM at their bankruptcy hearings after President Obama's automotive bailouts.[1]
Political career
editCurson was elected in a special election to fill the remainder of former Representative Thaddeus McCotter's term in the 112th United States Congress. McCotter resigned in the summer of 2012 after learning that the majority of petition signatures to get him on the ballot in the August primaries were fraudulent. The Democratic nominee for the general election, Syed Taj, was not a candidate in the special election. Curson stated his intention to retire from politics immediately after his six-week term ended and return to private life, which he fulfilled;[3] Curson was succeeded by Republican Kerry Bentivolio in January 2013, whom Curson defeated in the special election.
Political positions
editCurson felt that the key to economic success is the creation of jobs. His campaign goals included an increased tax on the rich and additional funding for roads, schools, and energy systems. He also sought legislation that would allow United States employers to safely hire foreign workers more easily and was against the deportation of children brought to the United States by illegal immigrants. He also supported the Affordable Care Act and Planned Parenthood.[4]
Death
editCurson died on September 23, 2024, at the age of 75.[5]
See also
edit- Brenda Jones (politician), elected in a similar situation
References
edit- ^ a b "About Dave Curson « Curson for Congress Curson for Congress". Cursonforcongress.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-28. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
- ^ Tajer, Brooke (2012-08-17). "Candidate Profile: David Curson — Novi, MI Patch". Novi.patch.com. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
- ^ a b c "Michigan's David Curson gets 6 weeks in US Congress | Politics — Home". Clickondetroit.com. 2012-11-01. Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
- ^ "Why Run? « Curson for Congress Curson for Congress". Cursonforcongress.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2017-11-10.
- ^ "David Alan Curson Sr". Legacy. Retrieved 1 October 2024.