A Day After Drawing Primary Challenge, Stupak Votes To End War In Afghanistan

[Kber]

Yesterday, 60 House Democrats and 5 Republicans voted to end the Afghanistan war, pulling out all troops by the end of the year, in what was ultimately a failed vote. But a look at those 65 members who voted Yes reveals some interesting names.

Most of the House members voting to end the war belong to the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Taking them out along with the Republicans who voted yes, here’s who you’re left with:

Crowley, Doyle, Kagen, Larson (CT), Maffei, Michaud, Napolitano, Neal (MA), Obey, Quigley, Loretta Sanchez, Speier, Stupak, Towns, Tsongas

One name jumps out and that’s Bart Stupak. When the President announced his plan for 30,000 more troops in December, Stupak viewed it with skepticism but did not call for an end to the war, by any means. In fact, he called the request for 6,000 more NATO troops “a positive step and is a critical component to conducting this war.” What changed between now and December 1?

Connie Saltonstall, for one. The primary challenge mainly concerns Stupak holding up the health care bill, but clearly Stupak would want to point to other votes in such a primary.

It’s funny, though. I’ve been told up and down by Stupak and his allies that he represents a very conservative district and he’s all that stands between that seat and a Republican.

If that’s the case, why vote against the war?

Stupak’s office did not respond to requests for comment

http://news.firedoglake.com/2010/03/11/a-day-after-drawing-primary-challenge-stupak-votes-to-end-war-in-afghanistan/

Things that make you say hmmm.

[Uzybone]

1. Black and White Black and White

does not compute for the purists

[TomCADem]

2. Though He Is Being Challenged In A Primary From The Left...

Stupak has been a Fox News favorite, and has been obnoxiously anti-choice such that he would torpedo any form of HCR that does not add to existing restrictions on funding abortions.

[Kber]

3. HMaybe he's trying to burnish his liberal street cred before his opponent

raises too much money.

To be honest, from the Iraq war to NAFTA, Connie and Bart are pretty similar. They really differ on Choice, Health Care Reform and the public option (which she supports).

oh, and C-Street, however that may or may not figure in to Mr. Stupak's recent behavior.

[Kaleva]

5. I don't see many differences either other then what you pointed out.

[Kaleva]

4. Stupak opposed the Iraq War also.

"It’s funny, though. I’ve been told up and down by Stupak and his allies that he represents a very conservative district and he’s all that stands between that seat and a Republican."

Funny that Connie says pretty much the same thing.

"Saltonstall, a former teacher and Charlevoix County commissioner who ran for the state House in 2008, said she realizes that if she wins, it could hurt the Democrats' chances of retaining the seat in what many consider a conservative district."

http://www.freep.com/article/20100310/NEWS05/3100337/1001/rss01

If Mz. Saltonstall and her allies don't believe the district is conservative, then why would she say a victory by her may actually hurt the Democrats' chances of retaining the seat?

Stupak also opposed Bush's escalation in Iraq.

An excerpt with a link to the full text:

"This war is a mistake and what we need now is a President who has the courage to admit his mistake. We need a President who will bring peace and stability to Iraq through diplomacy rather than military force."

http://www.house.gov/list/speech/mi01_stupak/Iraqfloorstatement021707.html