Democrats are playing hardball with the pro-life congressman:
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. Stupak, a former state trooper who calls Menominee home, 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 has refused to support legislation that, in his estimation, allows for federal funds to help pay for abortions . . . Saltonstall, whose supporters are trying to collect the 1,000 signatures needed to put her name on the August primary ballot, said Stupak has let the district down.
“Bart Stupak has threatened to block health care reform unless the amendment that bears his name is included in the final bill,” she said. “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.”
Saltonstall, a former teacher who was also a Charlevoix County commissioner, lost a race for state representatives in 2008.