Michigan's Stupak challenged for Democratic nomination

[Kber]

WASHINGTON – Michigan’s Bart Stupak, a Democratic congressman who could help bring down health care reform over an abortion provision, is getting a primary challenge this year.

Connie Saltonstall of Charlevoix said today she plans to run against Stupak for the Democratic nomination of Michigan’s First Congressional District, citing Stupak’s efforts to stop health care reform if it doesn’t ban use of government money for abortions. Stupak, a former state trooper from Menominee, has held the seat since 1993.


This year and last, Stupak has made a name for himself as a thorn in the side of some congressional Democrats pushing legislation for health care reform. While largely supportive of those efforts, he successfully attached an amendment last fall to ban use of federal funds to help pay for abortions.


“I believe that he has a right to his personal, religious views, but to deprive his constituents of needed health care reform because of those views is reprehensible,” said Saltonstall in a statement.

http://www.freep.com/article/20100309/NEWS15/100309040/1285/Stupak-challenged-for-Democratic-nomination

[SharonRB]

1. Yes!

I hope she can knock him out in the primary, but I wonder if a progressive can win in that district.

[Kber]

2. If all she does is get Bart's attention on the left

it's a victory.

IMO, this fully explains Bart's recent "Optimism" regarding resolving the Abortion Language in the HRC bill.

[dmr]

3. He now has 'optimism'? Hmmm, interesting.

Guess when you get called out on the carpet with 'The Family', and find yourself with a challenger, that oath you took mysteriously kicks in.

http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/memberfaq.html
"I, (name of Member), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."