Bart Stupak to Retire

CBS News Political Hotsheet ^ | April 9, 2010 | Stephanie Condon

[PJ-Comix]

Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak, the congressman who led anti-abortion rights Democrats in the House during health care negotiations, will retire this year, CBS News has learned. He is expected to announce his plans later this morning.

Had Stupak sought re-election, he would have faced challengers from both the left and the right backed by interest groups angered by Stupak's health care vote.

Stupak negotiated with Democratic leaders down to the eleventh hour for stricter abortion language in the health care bill, but he ultimately voted for it after President Obama agreed to sign an executive order assuring the new laws will keep taxpayer dollars from funding abortions.

That prompted the conservative Tea Party Express to launch a $250,000 ad campaign against Stupak this week. The group also scheduled a handful of stops on its bus tour in Stupak's district.

On the left, the abortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America has been working to defeat Stupak and instead elect his Democratic primary challenger Connie Saltonstall.

Like many other congressmen, Stupak received violent threats from citizens after his health care vote. However, the Michigan Democrat came under particularly intense scrutiny because of his role in the abortion debate.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Now Obama can do away with the Executive Order.

It's already in deep storage:

[D1X1E]

Sorry but I do not buy it, where’s the proof?

Nor do I which is why I posted "...there is no proof of any such thing". Maybe you were agreeing with me and I missed it. LOL

[Panzerlied]

Does he get to keep the 20 pieces of silver?

[Oceander]

Having them fall on their swords rhetorically is nice, but it'd be even better if they removed the "rhetorical" bit. Particularly since Stup(id)ak is still gonna get that nice comfy taxpayer-funded pension and retirement package - notwithstanding how badly he effed up the country. If this were a bank instead of a bunch of liberal politicians, he'd be leaving with nothing but the shirt on his back.

[spectre]

Sorry but I do not buy it, where’s the proof? Considering modern technology, email or phone threats can be traced and the perp arrested. If someone really receives threats and they perceive them to be real they turn it over to the police or FBI and it is investigated. Where are the investigations?? Where are the people who have been arrested?

Stupak had 12 years as a State Trooper and is still very connected with all law enforcement.

You're correct. He wouldn't be running from a few alleged threats.

sw

[NE_PaleoCon]

He has a nice 7 figure job with the maker of RU-486 all lined up. No worries!

[AuH2ORepublican]

This race now goes to Lean GOP Takeover.

I’m sure that several prominent RATs will now consider running; I wonder if any prominent Republicans will jump in now. Even with our current crop of (second-tier) candidates, I like our chances, but a first-tier conservative Republican from the UP would seal the deal for us.

[angelcindy]

You can run and hide stupak..but..........YOU STILL GOT TO FACE GOD!!

[ex-snook]

When all is said and resaid this was not about pro-life, it was about defeating the health care bill. The unborn baby was just a football to be used.

[Lancey Howard]

Now Obama can do away with the Executive Order.

Sure, why not?

[Sun]

“The blood’s not just on his hands.

One of the core points of this “healthcare” law was to make sure that EVERYONE in the country had blood on their hands.

Why else would it require “at least $1 of every premium payment” go to funding abortion?”

It’s as if they are trying to stick it to prolifers. VERY CHILLING.

[unspun]

What is George Soros (or our tax money) going to pay him to do, next?

[jimmygrace]

Now we get to see what price this lowlife sold his soul for. Stupak, you are a sorry worm.

[CriticalJ]

What a shocker.

So, where’s the payoff? Did it go to a family or friend?

[keats5]

Stupak, Frank and Stevens are retiring.

Typical Friday newsday!

[SeekAndFind]

The man has been in Congress close to 20 years. HE HAS DONE ENOUGH DAMAGE ALREADY. JUST GO !!

[Lmo56]

He’s NOT retiring - but like Forrest Gump’s mother said, “He’s on vacation ... PERMANENT !!!”

[Carling]

Bart Stupak = Benedict Arnold in my eyes. A vile, disgusting human being. Good riddance, and I hope his dreams are haunted by the millions of babies that he single-handely sentenced to death with his vote.

[P-Marlowe]

Getting a cushy job in the administration?

Not bloody likely.

Stupak was a pariah to the left until the Health Care vote. The odds of an even marginally pro-life person getting a cushy job in the administration is minute.

Obama may have promised him a cushy job, but then a promise from Obama is worth nothing.

[Carling]

Since the economy will be destroyed by January 2011, I want full investigations and hearings (if the GOP wins the House) into Stupak, Sestak, etc. etc.