Stupak will stay in Congress, not seek Gov’s office

U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak of Menominee, says he will not seek the Democratic nomination for governor, and will remain at his post as the Congressman from Michigan’s First district.

The Bay City Times reports Stupak made the announcement via a press release, saying:

“After lengthy discussions with my family, friends, and party leaders, I believe I can best serve the people of Michigan in the U.S. Congress,” he said.

“My seniority and experience in Congress, where I sit on the Energy and Commerce Committee and serve as chairman of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, afford me a significant opportunity to affect positive change.”

Stupak’s districts runs from northern Bay County to the upper peninsula. Talk of his entering the race had made reproductive health advocates nervous because Stupak is a staunch anti-abortion legislator who made a national name for himself in November when he led a revolt against President Barack Obama’s health care reform. Under his leadership, Stupak was able to pass an amendment, called the Stupak Amendment, which would prevent federal funds being used to pay for abortion services under the health care reform plans.

With Stupak removing his name from the list of contenders, the crowded field of could-be candidates thins down.

Tim Skubick reports on WLNS, the CBS affiliate in Lansing, that Democrats with gubernatorial dreams have been meeting with labor representatives and trial lawyers. Those who have had meetings include Stupak, University of Michigan regent Denise Ilitch, former state treasurer Bob Bowman, and former Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee. Also interviewed were Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero and Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon, both of whom have established exploratory committees for runs at the gov’s mansion.

While Bernero has continued to play coy with the media, Michigan Messenger has confirmed the mayor will run. The only declared candidate for the gov’s nod is state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith.

And while labor and the trial lawyers were meeting with the gang, one of the questions Skubick reports they were most concerned about was funding. That makes sense, considering lackluster fundraising swamped the All-Aboard Express of Lt. Gov. John Cherry.

As a result, Ilitch and Bowman become more fascinating options for democrats because both could self fund a race.