Stupak foe Saltonstall withdraws

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Michigan Democrat Connie Saltonstall, the former county official who announced a primary challenge to Rep. Bart Stupak before his decision to retire, ended her campaign for Congress on Monday and accused Democratic power brokers of having “pre-emptively anointed” state Rep. Gary McDowell as Stupak’s successor.

“From past experience I realize that with the Michigan Democratic Party actively opposing me, I will not be able to raise the money necessary to conduct a winning campaign,” Saltonstall said in a statement. “I hope that in the future the party will reject this interference and insist on an open primary allowing voters to choose the candidate who represents their values.”

Saltonstall launched her campaign against Stupak in March, targeting the anti-abortion incumbent over his resistance to supporting the health care reform law. Though Stupak ultimately voted for the measure, Saltonstall picked up support from national abortion-rights groups, including the National Organization for Women, Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Stupak’s retirement in April prompted other Democrats to consider the race. McDowell has declared his intention to run and state Rep. Joel Sheltrown and former state Rep. Matt Gilliard have announced campaigns. Only Gilliard shares Saltonstall’s views on abortion rights.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0510/36998.html