Benson's campaign comes to an end

For former IU basketball star Kent Benson, swishing a jump shot was far easier than being away from his family. Benson put an end to his pursuit of Indiana's Secretary of State office last week, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.\n"Campaigning at this level takes a lot more time and effort than I anticipated," he said in a previously issued statement. "Although I believe I had an excellent chance to win the nomination, I have decided that my family must come first."\nBenson's withdrawal leaves four candidates contending for the republican nomination, including current Deputy Secretary of State Todd Rokita. The chosen Republican candidate will face off against democratic candidate and Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez.\n"Kent Benson ran a good campaign and continues to be a premier spokesman and champion of Republican ideals," Rokita said in a statement released on his campaign Web site. "It has been a privilege to work with Kent in this Indiana Secretary of State race."\nRokita understands Benson's reasons for dropping out of the race.\n"As a guy who has been to all 92 counties and drives over 1000 miles a week, I realize this stuff takes a toll on the family," Rokita said. "Kent continues to be a great representative for Hoosiers and Hoosier ideas."\nDuring his campaign, Benson was greeted by admiring fans who attended not only to hear the politician speak but also to catch a glimpse of their Hoosier basketball hero.\nEdward Feigenbaum, editor of the Indiana Legislative Insight, a weekly political newsletter, said Benson is a striking representative for the Republican party.\n"He certainly is an attraction for state Republicans," Feigenbaum said. "When he comes around people want to see him and get his autograph; he is certainly someone the Republican party can trade on."\nBenson declared personal bankruptcy in 1999 and was a shareholder of Benson Egan Chevrolet Cadillac Inc. when the corporation declared bankruptcy. Questions concerning his financial circumstances stirred as he entered the Secretary of State race in December.\n"He perhaps didn't give enough thought to the political baggage he brought to his campaign and the role it might play," Feigenbaum said. "He showed a certain naivete about the way politics work in Indiana."\nFeigenbaum and his newsletter support Benson's decision to end his campaign.\n"Anytime a person makes a decision to not seek public office to spend more time with their family, they should be commended," Feigenbaum said. "Too many times family doesn't come first."\nCasey Cox, IU College Republicans president, spoke of the support and admiration his organization has for Benson's decision.\n"Family comes first even in politics," Cox said. "It doesn't surprise me that Benson has his priorities straight."\nThe IU College Republicans support the four Republican candidates and trust one of them will be the next Indiana Secretary of State.\n"I think Benson had name recognition to win and was a viable candidate," Cox said. "There are still four strong candidates, and I think whoever the candidate is, the Republican party will have a strong showing in November."\nRokita shares Cox's sentiments, saying Benson's withdrawal doesn't change confidence in his campaign or Indiana's Republican party.