Political novice Kerry Bentivolio claimed a comfortable victory in the Republican primary for the seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, withstanding a longshot write-in campaign from former state Sen. Nancy Cassis.

The shocking inability of McCotter, a five-term Republican, to qualify for the ballot in his suburban Detroit district left the door open for a newcomer to go to Congress in 2013-14.

Bentivolio, a teacher and reindeer farmer who has never held elective office, was the only Republican on Tuesday's ballot in the 11th District primary. Cassis - who won backing from local party leaders - largely self-funded her write-in effort.

Bentivolio led 66 percent to 34 percent for "write-in" - or Cassis. It was a respectable showing for Cassis given the difficulty getting people to write down her name, but she still fell short.

Bentivolio will face Syed Taj, a doctor favored by the Democratic Party who beat Lyndon LaRouche backer Bill Roberts.

Taj led 61 percent to 39 percent.

The seat leans Republican, though Democrats are eying a potential opening.

McCotter stepped down after turning in apparently fraudulent petitions. There will be a special primary election on Sept. 5 and on the same day as the general election to fill the last two months of McCotter's term.

Email David Eggert at deggert1@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter @DavidEggert00