Stupak: "I will work with Democratic Leadership"

[Clio the Leo]

Stupak Refuses To Commit To Opposing A Health Bill That Does Not Include His Abortion Amendment

On Friday, during a town hall in Houghton, Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) refused to commit to voting against a health care bill that did not include the House bill’s abortion language. “I will work with Democratic leadership, hopefully we’ll get this issue worked” Stupak began, as the audience broke out in laughter at his nonresponse.

After repeatedly pledging to vote against any bill that did not include very severe restrictions on abortion, Stupak emphasized at the town hall that he does not make outright commitments or pledges and explained that if the final legislation did not meet his requirements, he would review the entire bill before deciding how he would vote.

http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2010/01/12/stupak-town-hall/

[Fearless]

1. I'll believe it when I see it.

[Vincardog]

2. He either "repeatedly pledging to vote against any bill that did not include very severe restrictio

or he "refused to commit to voting against a health care bill that did not include the House bill’s abortion language."

[DCBob]

3. Sounds like he is backpeddling...

Maybe he was "Rahmed".

[backscatter712]

4. Sounds like he doesn't have the votes to demand more fetus-fetishism!

That's encouraging.

[freddie mertz]

5. A pox upon him and the rest of his Bluedog, woman-hating ilk.

Michigan voters, can you help us please?

[JNelson6563]

6. Let me explain Stupak's situation

He's got a district that is over 30 counties. Think about it. Ever do local politics? Do you know how hard it can be to work one county? How about over 30? And they are rural in a big way. Can you imagine hitting the doors in a 30+ county district? No? How about buying airtime to cover such a vast market?

That's what anyone who wants to challenge the very established, entrenched even, Stupak is up against. I'd wager the chances for a primary challenge are slim to none.

Julie

[freddie mertz]

7. Yes, you mentioned that before. It's too bad this POS can't go the way of Santorum...

And some of the other haters of women.

I live in a big district too, and have a wretched, totally corrupt and incompetent puke for my congress-creature.

And every two years, it's the same frustrating story.

[mkultra]

8. maybe thats why he came out loud and leaves soft

He made a visible stand and now hes bowing out.

[Dr.Phool]

9. Wow 30 counties!

I co-managed a campaign that covered 8 counties, and it was a nightmare. A friend of mine wanted me to work her state senate campaign that cover 13 counties. I said, I love you, but no thanks.

[JNelson6563]

10. You know what I mean then.

It is likely that, after the redistricting, my county will be back in Stupak's district.

Not that the one I'm in is any better represented, Dave Camp. A dreadful situation either way and little I can do. Believe me I tried. Like you I was heavily involved. Went on to become Dem chair of my whole Congressional district (MI-4) and worked really hard to organize all 14 counties to no avail. So much rural area no unknown Dem could even make a dent and there were no well known Dems willing to make the run (can't blame them).

Ah well, so it goes.

Julie

[depakid]

12. The swing in that district from 2008 is 32%

Seems like a safe seat.

About the best that could happen would be for the party leadership to marginalize him.

[Odin2005]

11. Fuck you, you misogynistic POS.

[cooolandrew]

13. This guy needs a firm boot out the party in 2010, What total j***.

It's not what the Democratic party stands for and once he's gone we'll do everything to reaffirm that.