Stupak Will Not Seek Re-Election

Embattled Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) told the Associated Press Friday that he will not seek re-election this November.

The pro-life Democrat became a lightning rod for criticism amid the health care reform debate. Stupak angered many on the right for backing the legislation after striking a deal with the White House for an executive order to prohibit federal funding for abortion. Conservative critics charged that the order was too weak to warrant his support.

The Michigan representative also drew ire from his Democratic colleagues for pushing an amendment in the House health care bill with similar intent. Some Democrats charged that the controversial amendment signaled a step back for women's reproductive rights.

On Wednesday, Stupak downplayed rumors that he was planning on retiring, and told the Detroit Free Press that he intended to run for a 10th term. He is expected to hold a press conference this afternoon in his home district.

Stupak, who represents Michigan's 1st Congressional district, joined the House in 1993.

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.

Rep. Neugebauer Behind "Baby Killer" Outburst

Texas Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-TX.) admitted in a statement Monday that he was the individual who shouted “baby killer” during remarks made by pro-life Democrat Bart Stupak on the House floor Sunday evening.

“Last night was the climax of weeks and months of debate on a health care bill that my constituents fear and do not support,” Neugebauer said. “In the heat and emotion of the debate, I exclaimed the phrase ‘it's a baby killer' in reference to the agreement reached by the Democratic leadership.”

The Republican Congressman goes on to say that he has issued an apology to Stupak and refers to his comment as “inappropriate.”

Neugebauer’s outburst came while Stupak was attempting to add an amendment into the House reconciliation bill explicitly prohibiting federal funding for abortion. Earlier in the day, Stupak announced that he would support health care reform legislation following the promise of an executive order from the White House offering a similar guarantee.

Healthcare Fight Not Over, Say GOP'ers

Although President Barack Obama will soon sign the main health reform bill passed by the House last night, Republican lawmakers aren't convinced that their window of opportunity to 'kill the bill' has closed. Hours after the House passed the Senate's bill, as well as a subsequent reconciliation bill, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) drafted legislation to repeal them.

“Americans across the country are outraged that liberals have made an unconstitutional bill full of special interest bribes the law of the land. Democrats will pay a price for their overreach. This fight is far from over. Now the work begins to repeal this monstrosity and restore the principles of freedom that made America a great nation," said King in a statement released Monday morning.

King's effort will most likely enjoy support from at least a few on the other side of Capitol Hill.

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) has already said he will introduce a repeal measure in the Senate, and during an appearance on ABC this morning Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) vowed "we're going to repeal this."

Realistically, Republicans will more than likely have to win control of both Houses this fall in order to have a shot at repealing the soon-to-be laws. Additionally, without 60 seats in the Senate, Republicans would have to use the same reconciliation process they have assailed Democrats over the past few months for using. However, while attaining a super-majority is out of the question, Republicans are betting on the fact that Obamacare will pay dividends for their candidates later this year.

One such candidate is Rev. Isaac Hayes (R), a youth Minister from Chicago, who sees healthcare as a way to defeat Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) in his race to get re-elected to the House.

"I believe the process by which health insurance reform has been jammed down our throats will be the centerpiece of the November election...America knows this is a government grab of one-sixth of the economy and they are encouraging Republicans to repeal this bill the moment we are sworn in as the 112th Congress," Hayes told Talk Radio News Service on Monday.

Durbin: Senate Version Of Stupak Amendment Unlikely To Pass

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) stated Friday that an amendment to the Senate health care reform bill barring federal funding of abortion may not pass in the Senate.

“We do not believe that the Stupak language, if offered at this moment, is likely to pass,” Durbin said during a conference call with reporters.

The amendment is a key factor in securing the vote of Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), a center leaning Democrat who has voiced dissatisfaction with the bill’s current language on funds for abortion.

“At the end of the day we need Senator Nelson’s vote,” said Durbin. “We still don’t have a promise of a vote from the Republican side, so we would need his vote to make our sixty.”

Durbin noted that a compromise is currently being examined.

“We are trying to find if there is an alternative provision that is somewhat different than the current bill, that doesn’t quite reach the Stupak level, that would satisfy the needs of Senator Nelson and our pro-life Senators.”