Stupak Challenger Makes Friends
Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak’s (D) distinction as the man who secured passage of health care reform for Democrats could make him a national target of Republican and conservative interests. He now has a Republican challenger, who in about 24 hours since Stupak cut a deal with the White House — giving Democrats the necessary number of votes — has gotten a lot more well known.
Dan Benishek, a surgeon who announced his candidacy one week ago, went from about 3,500 Facebook friends Sunday afternoon to 14,500 by mid-Monday. Benishek has also received mentions from a few well-known conservative bloggers, including Michelle Malkin who linked to his makeshift campaign Web site.
Stupak, who hails from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, represents the second largest congressional district east of the Mississippi. His 1st District gave President Obama a slim 50 percent win in 2008 — a far smaller percentage than Stupak’s commanding 65 percent win that sent him to Congress for a ninth term. George W. Bush won the district twice.
Stupak spent $1.3 million in 2008, outspending his opponent by $1 million. So far in the 2010 cycle he has $275,000 — a fairly large headstart over a new, first-time challenger.
The National Republican Congressional Committee has been in contact with Benishek, both before and after Stupak announced he would vote for the reform bill Sunday afternoon.
“Bart Stupak needs to be held accountable for selling out to Nancy Pelosi and President Obama,” said NRCC spokesman Tom Erickson. “We’re happy to work with any Republican who’s willing to help us put Stupak out of a job this November.”
