Offering frequent news and analysis from the majestic Evergreen State and beyond, The Cascadia Advocate is the Northwest Progressive Institute's unconventional perspective on world, national, and local politics.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Bart Stupak won't seek reelection

Many progressives won't miss him:
U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak will step down at the end of his term this year, saying today he's exhausted from the grind of covering the second-largest congressional district east of the Mississippi.

It "became a chore for me," said Stupak, a Democrat from Menominee on the Upper Peninsula.
The Democratic Party establishment doesn't want Stupak to retire - even though he gave President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi a lot of grief over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - because it means having to defend another open seat.

When the Associated Press asked Stupak if he was retiring because of pressure from the right wing, he responded, "The Tea Party did not run me out. If you know me and my personality, I would welcome the challenge."

He also told the press that he believed the Democratic Party could hold his position in Congress, and pledged to work to elect a Democratic successor. "I've seen the Republican field and obviously, I'm not impressed."

Stupak already had a primary opponent - former Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonsall, who was urging her supporters to help "retire Stupak" last night - but now other Democrats are sure to seek the nomination.

Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home