Amidst growing speculation he might retire, Rep. Bart Stupak’s (D-Mich.) office declined to rule it out on Wednesday.

Spokeswoman Michelle Begnoche said the congressman is evaluating his
options, but that he’s ready to run again if he decides to.

“Every two years, Congressman Stupak discusses with his family and
his constituents whether to seek reelection,” Begnoche said. “He believes that is what
the people of the 1st district of Michigan deserve. This year is no
different. In the meantime, campaign plans are proceeding and the congressman is pleased with the outpouring of support across his
district. In fact, he’s already acquired over a thousand signatures
needed to file for reelection on May 11.”

First Read reported Wednesday morning that Democratic strategists are urging Stupak to stick around, because his seat would be difficult for the party to hold. That task was made tougher, it said, because of the what Stupak went through when he held out for abortion language in the healthcare bill. In an interview with The Hill, Stupak described it as a “living hell.”

The nine-term congressman became a target of the left after he held out on voting for the healthcare bill until he had a guarantee of tougher language to prevent any federal subsidies from being used for abortion services.

Stupak faces a primary with former Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonstall, who has the support of NARAL Pro-Choice America, Planned Parenthood and the National Organization for Women (NOW).