Stupak 'optimistic' abortion language can be resolved

[Jennicut]

By Eric Zimmermann - 03/09/10 09:31 AM ET


A pro-life Democrat who has led the charge against the Senate healthcare bill softened his tone Monday, suggesting the impasse over abortion funding can be resolved.

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who has repeatedly made threats to whip votes against healthcare legislation if it even indirectly pays for abortion, told the Associated Press that he's "more optimistic" now that a deal can be reached.

"I'm more optimistic than I was a week ago," Stupak said.

"The president says he doesn't want to expand or restrict current law. Neither do I," Stupak added. "That's never been our position. So is there some language that we can agree on that hits both points--we don't restrict, we don't expand abortion rights? I think we can get there."

Stupak successfully added language to the House bill that prevents federal subsidies from going to any insurance plan that covers abortion. He and other pro-life Democrats oppose the Senate bill because it would allow people to use a subsidy to purchase abortion coverage if they pay a separate monthly fee.

The Michigan Democrat has said at least 12 pro-life Democrats in the House would vote against the Senate bill on those grounds.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/85631-stupak-optimistic-abortion-language-can-be-resolved

So, the question is, what is going to be offered to Stupak? You can't lose the more liberal Dems that are against Stupak. I think a separate abortion bill will come and it won't pass anyway.

[Bumblebee]

1. Of course he is optimistic! The premium on his vote just went up

when Kucinich ruled out voting for HCR! So wonderful to have an uncompromising House member on the left! So many benefits from it; harsher abortion language is just one of them...

[Jennicut]

2. Well, it will have to be a separate bill relating to abortion funding.

It would then need enough votes to pass the House. It would probably not get past cloture.

[Uzybone]

6. Yeah! Good thing Kucinich compromised his anti choice views

or he might have been right there with Stupak.

[Hello_Kitty]

9. OMG. I've seen it all now.

It's Dennis Kucinich's fault that Bart Stupak is a forced birther creep holding up the bill so he can sniff womens' panties.

Wow.

:wow:

[Kber]

3. I'm hearing whispers

of a primary challenge from the left.

Maybe it's making him a little less contemptuous of his base?

[Supersedeas]

14. I'm hearing more....and Rachael Maddow too

[Kber]

16. Cool

:)

[jenmito]

4. If all he really wants is language reinforcing the HYDE amendment, that WILL be easy to do.

I just don't know if he's really that stupid to think the current Senate bill language goes further than his amendment, but if he is, it should be easy to get him onboard by using the exact language in the Hyde amendment.

[jenmito]

5. "The president says he doesn't want to expand or restrict current law. Neither do I," Stupak added.

Good. Then it will be easily settled.

[Kber]

7. Recent "Optimism" explained

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/...

[Jennicut]

8. Oh....so Stupak is being primaried. That will turn his ass around fast.

[Kber]

13. Real fast, eh?

Go Connie!

[Cha]

10. I hope his recent optimism

boils over into his bringing his cohorts on board with the Health Care Bill..

Amazing what a primary challenger will do for your optimism..I hear blanche lincoln is looking further into this reconciliation thing.

[Kber]

12. It does seem to focus the mind doesn't it?

Go Connie!

[polichick]

11. Apparently this guy hasn't read the party platform...

Hope he runs as a repuke next time. nt

[Perky]

15. It will be language in the reconciliation that will re-affirm Hyde.

But will leave with the HHS Secretary the ability to construct legislation to enforce it anr require yearly certification that no federal money has been used to pay for abortion.

[Colobo]

17. He's feeling the heat from his base now.