Posted on 04/09/2010 5:41:37 AM PDT by 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.
I agree with the rest of your points. This is not a slam dunk race. Mike Lahti and Rich Brown would be formidable candidates.
Does Barcia live in the district?
This is Barcia's old congressional district before redistricting put him in Kildee's district. . That's not a good base to run from in this district. Barcia would be formidable for Kildee's current district, as he's well known in the Saginaw area.
As I recall from the last redistricting the seat got only smidge more rat. It was still carried by Bush in 2000 under the new lines.
Stupak probably would have won. Yet another who would rather leave than face the heat. :D
Your recollection re: 2001 redistricting is correct. The Bush 2000 vote dropped by maybe like 2% under the new lines.
OK, thanks for clarifying. I had read elsewhere that Barcia was in the 1st district. My apologies.
He may move to the 1st and run, like Brian Rooney is doing in my district.
Do you favor Walberg or Rooney?
Tim Walberg. Hands down. He did a good job for us. Rooney should run for state senate in Canton where he’s from.
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