April 21, 1981:
Michigan state Rep. Mark Siljander (R), a Christian fundamentalist and strong anti-abortion conservative, wins a special election in the state's 4th Congressional District with nearly 73 percent of the vote. He succeeds David Stockman, who was named as President Reagan's budget director.
Stockman had tried to get a longtime ally to replace him but Siljander beat him in the Republican primary.
In fact, the Michigan GOP establishment battled with Siljander throughout his tenure in Congress over his tendency to link religion and politics. He was finally ousted in the 1986 primary by Fred Upton, a moderate, who still serves. Siljander made what many considered to be a major gaffe by inferring, in an appeal to fundamentalist ministers, that Upton was backed by the forces of Satan.
Today in Campaign History is a daily feature on Political Junkie.
categories: Today In Campaign History
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