Conservatives Pile On Stupak

Conservative activists angered by the passage of health care reform legislation have focused their attention on Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and are waging a $250,000 media campaign against the pro-life Democrat.

“It's time to vote him out of office," Mark Williams, who chairs the traveling organization the Tea Party Express, said in a statement sent out Wednesday. "Bart Stupak has lost touch with the people of Michigan, and he has betrayed the public's trust.”

Stupak angered many on the right for backing health care reform legislation in the hours before the House cast their votes. Stupak based his support on an agreement between the White House and pro-life members of Congress promising an executive order to prohibit public funds for abortion. Conservative critics claim the order is too weak and will not carry out its stated intention.

One radio ad that ran in the Democrat’s district accused Stupak of trading his support for $700,000 for Michigan airports.

“Bart Stupak has become just another corrupt Washington politician,” the low-voiced spokesman in the ad states. “You sold us out on the health care vote and now it’s time for you to pay the political price.”

In addition to the ad campaign, the Tea Party Express plans on holding five rallies across Michigan. Mike Cox, the state’s Attorney General, has announced that he will make an appearance at the events.

On Wednesday, rumors arose that Stupak will not seek reelection. Stupak denied them shortly after and told the Detroit Free Press that he intends to run again.