[9] Political scientist James Thurber described Benton as a "shoot from the hip" lawmaker known for a "bombastic" style and a frequent unwillingness to compromise.

"[11] The same year, Benton, along with fellow GOP senator Pam Roach, requested his name be removed from the Republican caucus website.

His tenure was marked by historical fundraising numbers, though some party members criticized his spending priorities and hiring decisions.

[16][17][18][19] Editorials in The Columbian, The Olympian, and The Seattle Times questioned Benton's qualifications[20] and the county was sued for unfair hiring practices by the department's interim director,[21] who claimed she had been denied the opportunity to apply for the position.

[22] In the midst of the matter, county commissioner David Madore, who had voted for Benton's appointment, declared the hiring was an "accident.

On April 14, 2017, Trump named Benton as the 13th Director of the Selective Service System, responsible for the United States draft.

[27][28] Benton left the position of Director of the Selective Service System on January 20, 2021, the day President Biden was inaugurated.

"While minors must have parental permission to get a tattoo or have their ear pierced it is still possible for a young girl to have an abortion without the benefit of their own mother's counseling" said Benton.

[33][34] Benton has previously introduced legislation to apply the death penalty to cases of premeditated murder where the victim is a child.

[35] Benton opposes gay marriage and civil unions, saying on the Senate floor that those laws affect "less than a half of one percent of the population.

[40] In 2008 he broke with the senate Republican caucus and supported legislation to extend collective bargaining rights to research assistants at Washington State University.

[46] Benton has also expressed concern at tolling plans outlined for the proposed bridge which, he claimed, could cost Clark County residents – many of whom commute to Portland, Oregon daily – $100 per month or more.

[47] While the legislature ultimately approved partial funding on the project, Democratic governor Jay Inslee vetoed the measure, earning praise from Benton.

C-Tran had previously suggested it might enact eminent domain on properties on the Washington side of the Washington-Oregon border on behalf of Oregon transportation planners.