Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) plans to annnounce his retirement today, Democrats briefed on his decision said. Stupak, the leader of a pro-life faction within his party, had received death threats and was under intense political pressure after he agreed to support the Democratic health care reform legislation, even though pro-life groups insisted that it would allow federal funds to be used for abortion.
Stupak hinted at this course in a letter to constituents on Wednesday. His district, representing parts of the state’s upper peninsula, is marginal: President Obama received 50% of the vote there.
Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonstall will probably take Stupak’s place as the Democratic nominee.
We will remember him as “Stupak the Roman” for falling on the Democrats’ huge sword.
UPDATE: *Retire–not resign. My mistake.