Kerry Bentivolio, Rocky Raczkowski fight in court over military record
WASHINGTON – A former congressman who is running for a chance at getting his old job back is suing a rival for $10 million, claiming the other candidate has defamed him by suggesting his military record is fake.
Through his lawyer, former U.S. Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, R-Milford, filed the civil suit in Oakland County Circuit Court this week, saying A. Rocky Raczkowski has for years “engaged in a malicious defamation campaign … telling multiple third parties that Bentivolio’s military record is fraudulent and fake.”
Both men are candidates for the Republican nomination in the 11th District in Oakland and western Wayne counties. U.S. Rep. Dave Trott, R-Birmingham, is stepping down from the seat after two terms.
Bentivolio's lawyer, commentator and author Debbie Schlussel, said she has statements from people documenting that Raczkowski, a former state representative and retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves, has made false claims about Bentivolio’s record and several medals his military record shows he received. Bentivolio served in the Army and later in the National Guard.
Read more: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/05/15/kerry-bentivolio-sues-rocky-raczkowskifor-defamation/613536002/