Stupak announces decision not to continue in Congress

MARQUETTE -- Congressman Bart Stupak announced his decision not to run for re-election during a press conference at Northern Michigan University today, Friday, April 9.*

After delivering his prepared announcement, Stupak fielded questions from reporters present, explaining that he and his family had discussed the possibility of this decision during the past six years and finally decided this week that it was time to move on.

"I'm at the crossroads," Stupak said. "I want to do new things -- new challenges, new opportunities -- and I look forward to it."

Tributes from some of Stupak's close friends, and his wife Laurie, preceded Stupak's announcement.

District Director Tom Baldini, former Chair of the International Joint Commission (IJC) for the Great Lakes, praised Stupak's work and dedication to protecting the Great Lakes from water sales, oil drilling in and under the lakes, and contamination.

"Many call him, and deservedly so, the Guardian of the Great Lakes," Baldini said.

Marquette Sheriff Michael Lovelace thanked Stupak, a former state trooper, for his "undying and staunch support of law enforcement." Lovelace added, "Bart's always been a protector of the people."

Michigan Rep. Mike Lahti spoke of Stupak's reputation as one of the most respected lawmakers in Washington, his honesty and his tough votes.

"Our country and state and district are losing an effective fighter for the people," Lahti said. "Bart will be missed, no doubt."

Lahti noted he wished Bart would be running again and he was confident Stupak would win, but this was a decision for Bart and his wife, Laurie.

Laurie Stupak, Bart's wife of 36 years, preceded her introduction of her husband by saying he was "kind, trustworthy and brutally honest" when she met him and was still the same today.

"His word is his thought," she said. "He loves his job in Congress. He loves the people he represents. He often tells his colleagues in the Congress and his friends in Washington, DC, that he represents the most beautiful congressional district in the United States."

Dr. Leslie Wong, president of Northern University, said Stupak was the first person to call and congratulate him when he was chosen to be president of NMU six years ago.

"He cares about the people and the organizations of his district," Wong said. "We are in his eyes a hidden jewel with unlimited potential."**

National, state leaders send statements on Stupak decision

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Stupak's office sent comments today from national leaders and leaders from Michigan. Here are just a few:

President Barack Obama:

"For more than three decades -- whether protecting Michiganders in their communities as a police officer and state trooper, or protecting the GreatLakes in the halls of Congress -- Bart Stupak has dedicated his life to public service. Since arriving in Washington, he has never lost sight of his principles or the people he was elected to represent. He has been a tireless advocate for hard working families across northern Michigan and for law enforcement officers and first responders across the nation. Michelle and I thank Congressman Stupak for his service and wish him and his family joy and success in their future endeavors."

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi:

"Congressman Bart Stupak has served Michigan's First District with great distinction for nearly two decades. He has remained a stalwart advocate for the interests, hopes, and aspirations of his constituents and Michigan's families have been well served by his years in the House.

"Nowhere did First District voters or the entire nation witness his tenacity and steadfast commitment more than in the successful effort to provide quality, affordable health care to all Americans. Throughout the battle for reform -- from his crucial role on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to his leadership on the floor of the House -- Bart Stupak was a forceful advocate for providing health care to all Americans.

"I thank Congressman Stupak for his years of dedicated service to the House of Representatives, and I wish him well in his future endeavors."

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry A. Waxman:

"This is a huge loss for the Committee. Rep. Stupak has been a brilliant Oversight and Investigations Committee Chairman, and his work on food safety and oversight of the health insurance industry has had an enormous impact."

U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI):

"Bart Stupak is a public servant of great integrity and genuine conscience. I deeply regret his decision from a public perspective, but I also respect and understand his decision because of the longevity of his service and the tremendous sacrifice that his service has entailed for him and his family."

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

"Bart Stupak has been a true champion for Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula families and a friend of mine for many years. I know he would have been successful had he sought re-election. His passion and dedication to public service have been tremendous assets to our entire state and will be deeply missed."

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm:

"Bart Stupak has been a stalwart fighter for the first district and Michigan. As chairman of an Energy and Commerce subcommittee, he has been a champion for the Great Lakes State. His example of service with civility should be a model for all to follow. While the recent negative and personal attacks on this man of conscience over his position on health care reform have been shocking, I hope the bitterness will not deter other good citizens from choosing to serve our country and our communities. I send my best to Bart and Laurie and my deepest thanks for serving Michigan with dignity and honor."

U.S. Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI):

"I am saddened by the news that Bart will not be running again. He's an outstanding member of Congress, a remarkable Subcommittee chairman, a fighter for his constituents and his convictions.

"But above all these things Bart is a truly decent and caring human being and public servant of the highest order. I know that Bart, his lovely wife Laurie and their dear son Ken did not come to this decision easily. Bart has served the public for more than 30 years. He put his life on the line as a Michigan State trooper and he has put the needs of his country before all else during his 18 years in Congress.

"Bart was a true leader in the health care fight. It was his questioning before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee that forced insurance company executives to admit they would not end the practice of rescission on their own. He has also been a true leader in our fight to make America's food and drug supply safer.

"While Bart and I don’t see eye to eye on the specific issue of abortion, he certainly played a valuable role voicing the concerns of the pro-life community during the debate on health care reform. Bart proved to be one of the best poker players we’ve ever seen on Capitol Hill; and, because of his work, health care reform is now the law of the land.

"One of my best decisions as Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce was to see that Bart became Chairman of the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee. He is an able investigator with an inquisitive mind and determination to find the truth. All Americans have benefited from his leadership of that Subcommittee.

"I will greatly miss serving with Bart Stupak. His district, Michigan and our country will miss his public service."

U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04)

"With the announcement of his retirement, my friend and colleague Bart Stupak will be leaving Congress after 18 years of tenacious, dignified, and honorable service to our Nation and the families of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I will miss Bart’s leadership on protecting the Great Lakes and his tireless determination to protect consumers and fight for working families. I wish Bart and his wife, Laurie, much-deserved rest and happiness."

*Read Congressman Stupak's prepared statement for his announcement at the April 9 press conference.

** Click here to view the video of the press conference on the Northern Michigan University Web site. (You may wish to start the video at about 12 min. 50 sec. for the actual speeches referred to in the first part of this article.)