From The Hill:
Leading a revolt against President Barack Obama’s healthcare legislation over abortion has been a “living hell” for Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.).
The telephone lines in his Washington and district offices have been “jammed” and he’s gotten more than 1,500 faxes and countless e-mails — most of which he says don’t come from his constituents.
The fight has taken a toll on his wife, who has disconnected the phone in their home to avoid harassment.
“All the phones are unplugged at our house — tired of the obscene calls and threats. She won’t watch TV,” Stupak said during an hourlong interview with The Hill in his Rayburn office. “People saying they’re going to spit on you and all this. That’s just not fun.”
And that's not including the pressure from his party's leadership, which he doesn't discuss here.
He confesses to suffering internal conflict over the bill. Though he can't vote for it, he hopes it will pass, even without restrictions on funds for abortion coverage:
The ideal outcome, Stupak said, might be for the House Democratic leadership to get the votes they need without him and for the bill to pass.
“You know, maybe for me that’s the best: I stay true to my principles and beliefs,” he said, and “vote no on this bill and then it passes anyways. Maybe for me is the best thing to do.”
That's inherently inconsistent, but consistent with a position he held last fall.
Bottom line:
Stupak claims while Democratic leaders have peeled off a few of his group, he always had more than 12 and he stresses he still has 12 now.
Thanks to MichelleMalkin.com for linking.
Most recent posts here.
3 comments:
The problem with liberal threats is you can't take them seriously since they oppose the Second Amendment. Laugh it off Stupak, and stand your ground.
I just can't wrap my mind around the mentality inside the Beltway. I still live in a world where a man's word means something and courage means overcoming fears and obstacles, stepping outside your comfort zone, and standing firm. Telling the crowd you disagree with a lynching and taking a few friends with you but allowing the lynching to take place is not courageous. If you think forcing people to pay for something that abhors them and is against their religion and beliefs is perfectly acceptable then vote for the damn bill. If not then stand up against it and vote no. Where the hell is the gray area? If you think voting against the wishes and best interests of the people that voted for you to represent them and their interests while actually representing people that didn't vote for you is a good thing then vote for the damn bill. If you actually want to do your job and protect the interests of the people that rely on you to do so then vote no. Jesus H. Christ! I can't take this any more. It's obvious we need soldiers, cops, public safety people that know honor and duty to start running for office. The lawyers and career politicians just don't get it.
Stupak,
Wow, you were the saddest part of the whole farce tonight. You betrayed your ideals and succeeded in making sure that everyone despises you, left, right, pro-choice, and pro-life. Hope you can live off your pension and that nice health care plan that follows you.
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