Good luck to Rep Stupak in his new endeavors. He was instrumental in us getting over the healthcare reform hump to lift us out of the dark ages.
Bart Stupak RETIRING: Tea Party Targeted Him Over Health Care Vote JOHN FLESHER | 04/ 9/10 09:14 AM | AP
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak, targeted for defeat by Tea Party activists for his crucial role in securing House approval of the health care overhaul, said Friday he would retire from Congress this year.
The nine-term congressman told The Associated Press he could have won re-election and insisted he wasn’t being chased from the race by the Tea Party Express, which is holding rallies this week in his northern Michigan district calling for his ouster. Instead, Stupak said he was tired after 18 years in office and wanted to spend more time with his family.
"The Tea Party did not run me out," he said in a telephone interview. "If you know me and my personality, I would welcome the challenge."
Stupak, 58, said he had considered retirement for years but was persuaded to stay in Congress because of the prospect of serving with a Democratic majority and helping win approval of the health care overhaul, which he described as his top legislative priority. CONTINUED
Bart Stupak RETIRING: Tea Party Targeted Him Over Health Care Vote