Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Sofia Sanchez-University of New Mexico, Talk Radio News Service

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) denied Tuesday that pro-life Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) was pushed into retirement by Tea Party or Pro-life organizations.

"Bart Stupak is a very courageous member. He wasn't forced out by anybody and he was substantially ahead in the polls," said Hoyer.

Added the Majority Leader, "Do I think that the negative atmosphere that has been created by the tea party and by others certainly goes into the thinking of the members? I think it does," said Hoyer. "I don't think that was the determining factor with respect to Mr. Stupak."

Stupak, who served in Congress for 18 years, announced he would not seek re-election last Friday after becoming a lightning-rod for criticism in the health care debate. Pro-choice advocates charged that an amendment Stupak attempted to include in the legislation to specifically prohibit public funding for abortion restricted women's reproductive rights. Conservatives claimed that a White House executive order sought by Stupak offering a similar guarantee was not strong enough to warrant his eventual support.

Hoyer went on to say that Stupak's retirement is a result of the time spent away from his family and the toll it has taken on them after losing a son to suicide in May, 2000. Hoyer also confirmed that Stupak has been looking at retirement for the past two years.

Hoyer acknowledged the difficult elections facing many House Democrats, but said "I would urge all the members that are here to run and seek re-election."