AP: Stupak: Health Bill Abortion Fight Can Be Resolved

[flpoljunkie]

Stupak: Health bill abortion fight can be resolved
By JOHN FLESHER

The Associated Press
Monday, March 8, 2010; 6:59 PM

TAWAS CITY, Mich. -- Prospects are good for resolving a dispute over abortion that has led some House Democrats to threaten to withhold support of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, a key Michigan Democrat said Monday.

Rep. Bart Stupak said he expects to resume talks with House leaders this week in a quest for wording that would impose no new limits on abortion rights but also would not allow use of federal money for the procedure.

"I'm more optimistic than I was a week ago," Stupak said in an interview between meetings with constituents in his northern Michigan district. He was hosting a town hall meeting Monday night at a local high school.

"The president says he doesn't want to expand or restrict current law (on abortion). Neither do I," Stupak said. "That's never been our position. So is there some language that we can agree on that hits both points - we don't restrict, we don't expand abortion rights? I think we can get there."

Stupak has emerged as spokesman for about a dozen House Democrats who supported health legislation approved by the House in November but contend a $1 trillion version that passed the Senate the next month would authorize federal abortion subsidies. They insist on restoring stiffer restrictions Stupak added to the House measure.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/08/AR2010030803668.html

[Kber]

1. Stupak is getting a lot of pressure from local activists

maybe they are having an effect?

But from what I hear, it's going to be too little too late.

[Clio the Leo]

2. Maybe someone pointed out to him that he was WRONG. NT

[Kber]

3. Plenty of people have pointed out to him he's wrong

Does it make a difference - i can't say.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

4. He's in a conservative district....

With not a lot of deep-pocketed donors. A tough primary and progressives sitting at home on Election Day would pretty much cost him his seat.

Maybe somebody delivered that gentle reminder to him.