I believe passionately that Americans deserve the opportunity to have affordable, accessible healthcare, and until recently, I believed that Congressman Bart Stupak represented my beliefs in Washington. But when Mr. Stupak threatened to block reform unless the amendment bearing 'his name' was included in the bill, I was furious. He crossed the line. He broke his word to his constituents that he would not block healthcare reform over this issue. He lost his district's trust, and he lost my trust.
His argument that the Stupak Amendment was necessary to prohibit federal funding for abortion is misleading. The Senate bill already included that provision. Mr. Stupak risked derailing the core vision of the Democratic Party, he let down his constituents in the 1st Congressional District, and he no longer deserves to be our Representative. Like so many others, I waited for someone to challenge him. But when no one did, I decided it was time to stand up, and I announced my candidacy.
I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the enthusiasm, support and outreach for my campaign, both nationally and locally. People from all over this district are calling daily, offering to contribute their valuable time and to do anything that they can to help. Political pundits like to say that someone from the lower peninsula cannot win in Michigan's first district. I don't believe that. I have heard from citizens all the way from Keweenaw County in the northwest of our district to Bay County in the southeast. We are all Michiganders and our commonalties are far more important than our differences.
My campaign is about getting past the kind of political obstruction and grandstanding that marred the healthcare debate. I look forward to working in Congress to represent the traditional Democratic values of the First District - affordable, accessible healthcare for all Americans, healthcare that allows women the opportunity to make responsible life decisions for themselves and their families, protecting our Great Lakes and other precious natural resources, and fighting to put people in our district, so hard hit by this recession, back to work.
I am here to give the people of the Michigan's First District a choice in the August 3rd primary. I ask for your support as we show Mr. Stupak that he cannot take Democratic voters for granted. Thank you.
http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/24052
WOMEN AND MEN ALL OVER AMERICA ARE WAKING UP.
RUN CONNIE RUN!
Thank you for standing up and running.
WIN! WIN! WIN!
Oh, you must live under a rock. Health care passed. Stupak didnt block it, he voted for it. Stupak folded like a cheap tent. He caved in for a meaningless executive order that isnt worth the paper it is written on.
In reality, Bart saved health care reform by leading an effort to ensure that a majority of his constituents’ views were represented and that the President’s promise that there would be no change in the status quo with respect to abortion was upheld. An overwhelming majority of Bart’s constituents’, and a majority of people in this nation, did not want the bill to include public funding of abortion.
In a year where many Democratic seats are endangered, this effort to unseat a solid Democrat because he is pro-life is misguided and a mistake. This same strategy in the late 80’s led to the Republicans regaining the control of the House for the first time in over 40 years. If we are not careful, we could face a terrifying re-birth of the Contract on America.
I would urge Ms. Saltonstall to withdraw and supporters should put their money and time into saving Democratic seats.
I was mulling over what you wrote,and my own observations and that of those who commented,and an idea came to me.I don't think the idea has been done before,but ,I for one, would enjoy reading and then maybe participating after it's done ( though I live in NY) in a text debate,between you and Stupak. Perhaps here on Huffington Post,you and Stupak can have a real time discussion/debate where all can follow,and they the voters,then can be allowed to challenge and question eigther of your comments,after it's over.,and you in real time can answer. It's far differnt than watching debates on TV,voters can participate more and issues can be thouroughly hashed out.You as candidates and they as the voters will have a far better understanding of where your heads are really at.
I wish you all the best. Michigan needs a strong pricipled voice and Stupak was not it.
Best,
I'm all for gutting congress and senate and getting all new people in,but there are a few,like stupak,who should stay.
so congrats his 'stance' earned him a sheet of paper. wow. obama or any other president could just write a new executive order overturning this one. but i doubt that will be needed, as again, president dont have the authority to overturn the law by executive order.
Connie's record against hte Republicans isn't good as she got a drubbing in her 2008 race for the 105th state house seat getting less then 37% of the vote.
For an excellent summary of Stupak's voting record in Congress, click on the below link:
http://www.eclectablog.com/2010/03/before-you-pillory-bart-stupak.html
For anyone who wishes to support Stupak, below his a link to his Act Blue page:
http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/12765
Could you explain your platform in greater detail?
If you think an unknown Democrat has a any chance in a Republican district in 2010..... then I have some stuff I would like to sell you.
And yes, I live in Michigan's 1st district, most of my life.