After evaluating his chances of winning a Democratic primary election against relatively-progressive challenger Connie Saltonstall, U.S. Representative Bart Stupak, who currently holds a seat for northern Michigan, has decided that his best option is to drop out. Stupak will not be seeking re-election to Congress this year.
Saltonstall entered the race after Representative Stupak created a crippling amendment to health care legislation that would have prevented women from getting abortion coverage even through purely private insurance plans. Saltonstall was racking up endorsements from groups like the National Organization for Women, Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and MI List, while Stupak was finding himself shunned by previously reliable sources of funds and volunteers.
It’s yet another sign that the strategy by right wing Democratic politicians of relying on progressive activist support while working with congressional Republicans to block progressive legislation isn’t working in the way that it used to. Progressive activists are getting wise, and realizing that Republicans aren’t the only ones who stand against their values. Blue Dogs and other right-leaning Democrats are finding themselves held accountable by former supporters who are finding primary election challengers or are merely withholding their resources.
Yea, your dreaming….progressive challenge, yea, right, sure….
“Relatively-progressive” is the term I used for Saltonstall. It has yet to be seen if she is a genuine progressive.
Stupak, like our Santorum – good riddance! Fundy Fuck-Ups.