David Curson | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2012 | |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromMichigan's11th district | |
| In office November 13, 2012 – January 3, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Thaddeus McCotter |
| Succeeded by | Kerry Bentivolio |
| Personal details | |
| Born | David Alan Curson (1948-11-04)November 4, 1948 Toledo, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | September 23, 2024(2024-09-23) (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 |
David Alan Curson (November 4, 1948 – September 23, 2024) was an Americanunion representative and politician who was a member of theUnited States House of Representatives, representingMichigan's 11th congressional district. He is known for having one of the shortest terms in congressional history. Curson defeatedKerry Bentivolio in aspecial election to replace former RepresentativeThaddeus McCotter, who resigned in the summer of 2012, and served less than two months. He was a member of theDemocratic Party.[3] Curson was a representative for theUnited Auto Workers.[3]
Curson was born inToledo, Ohio, to George Curson, a heavy equipment operator forWashington 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 theUniversity of Toledo. However, he dropped out without finishing a degree in order to serve in theUnited States Marine Corps. After returning from service, he began work at theFord Rawsonville Plant inYpsilanti, Michigan.
While working at theFord 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 negotiatingBig Three contracts in 1982 and also testified on behalf of Chrysler and GM at their bankruptcy hearings afterPresident Obama's automotive bailouts.[1]
Curson was elected in aspecial election to fill the remainder of former RepresentativeThaddeus McCotter's term in the112th 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 RepublicanKerry Bentivolio in January 2013, whom Curson defeated in the special election.
Curson 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 theAffordable Care Act andPlanned Parenthood.[4]
Curson died on September 23, 2024, at the age of 75.[5]
| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives fromMichigan's 11th congressional district November 13, 2012 – January 3, 2013 | Succeeded by |
