Stupak not to run for Mich. governor

Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak (D) announced Tuesday he would not enter his state's 2010 gubernatorial race, contrary to growing speculation that he might.

Instead, he will run for re-election to the House, he noted in a statement early Tuesday morning.

"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," Stupak 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. "
 
"It is difficult for me to commit to pursuing a state-wide gubernatorial campaign at this critical time," he added. "The compressed time frame and fundraising requirements necessary to secure the Democratic nomination for Governor would be very difficult for me to achieve without sacrificing some of my responsibilities in Washington, DC."

Stupak's prospective gubernatorial bid has long worried congressional Democrats, as a potential shot at his state's top job would have left Democrats with yet another open seat to defend in what is shaping up to be a difficult election year. Swaths of Michigan's 1st district lean conservative -- a constituency that supports Stupak but could be less amenable to a new Democratic nominee.

Additionally, Stupak's prospective run for the governor's mansion troubled his party's top partisans, who have long chastised the congressman for bucking Democrats on the issues of abortion in healthcare reform. They seemed to express privately and in media reports a growing concern about the direction Stupak might opt to take his state.

Stupak's full statement follows the jump.

“After careful consideration, I have decided not to seek the Democratic nomination for Governor of Michigan.  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.  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. 
 
It is difficult for me to commit to pursuing a state-wide gubernatorial campaign at this critical time.  The compressed time frame and fundraising requirements necessary to secure the Democratic nomination for Governor would be very difficult for me to achieve without sacrificing some of my responsibilities in Washington, DC.
 
We have a great deal to accomplish in Congress!  I expect President Obama to lay out an ambitious jobs package when he speaks to the nation in his State of the Union address this week.  This proposal will help grow our nation’s economy and put people back to work.  I look forward to working with the President to move a legislative agenda that will promote Michigan jobs.
 
Health care for all Americans is vital for our economic recovery and is an issue that I feel very passionate about.  I will continue to fight to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care.  I will also continue to protect our Great Lakes, stand up to special interests, and provide economic opportunities to create jobs.  I look forward to continuing to serve as a strong, independent voice for Northern Michigan.
 
Laurie and I are honored and humbled by the pledges of support and offers of assistance we have received over the past few weeks.  We sincerely thank everyone for their input, opinions and encouragement.
 
I plan to begin circulating my nominating petitions within the next week to qualify as a candidate for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan’s First Congressional District.”

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