Can Stupak Be Counted Upon to Stand Firm on Abortion? Probably Not

(Hat tip: Creative Minority Report)

The Blog Prof has done some digging and has discovered that pro-life Democrat Congressman Bart Stupak talks a good pro-life game in front of the camera (i.e. within earshot of his pro-life constituency at home), but is less than dependable in his support for the unborn when push comes to shove:

I've said many times in this blog that there is no such thing as a conservative Democrat, just Democrats representing conservative districts. To do so, they have to pretend to defend certain issues important to a center-right majority in their districts. Being pro-life is one of those important issues. Case-in-point today is Michigan 1st District U.S. Representative Bart Stupak - Democrat.

[...]

So he's all set now as a Representative in a center-right district, right? He'll defend the pro-life movement with every vote, right? Three words: Not. So. Fast. Sure Stupak talks a good game, going as far as admitting that Obama is not telling the truth about HR 3200 which in fact mandates public-funding of abortion.

[...]

"No one issue will dictate his final vote." For the true pro-lifer, abortion holds nothing short of veto power. Simple as that. Under no circumstances can a pro-life representative vote for a bill "on the totality" and ignore the huge expansion of abortion in the plan.

[...]

So there you have it. He would still vote on a lack-of-healthcare package that would include taxpayer-funded abortions, and the imposition of abortion in the medical profession regardless of what anyone's personal belief is.

[Read the whole thing]

My Comments:
I have been out front in hailing Congressman Stupak's heroic efforts to keep abortion out of ObamaCare. Just see the links below.

But I have to admit that, when push comes to shove, I fear ... no ... I truly expect the pro-life Democrat contingent - including Stupak - to do what they always do: put party over pro-life principle and line up lockstep behind Pelosi and the Democrat leadership.


Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Congressman Bart Stupak, Democrat, Defending the Right to Life in Heath Care

Pro-Life Catholic Dem: "We Believe We Have the Votes" to Shut Down Healthcare Over Abortion

Obama Won't Meet With Pro-Life Democrat to Discuss Abortion, Health Care

Pro-Life Catholic Dem: Prevent Abortion Funding, Or I'll Block Healthcare

House Democrats Will Likely Prevent Vote to Remove Abortion From Health Care

Deal Hudson: "Why Catholics Will Not Get Abortion Out of the Health Care Bill" [UPDATED]

LA Times: Next Hurdle in Healthcare "Debate" is Abortion

Congressman Smith Warns Against Phony ‘Compromise’ on Abortion Mandates in ObamaCare

Dem Says Language Expressly Prohibiting Abortion Funding a Must in Health Care Bill [UPDATED]

Pelosi Accused of Muzzling Opposition to Taxpayer-Funded D.C. Abortions