Stupak Tried to Scuttle Deal on Abortion

Bart Stupak is apparently unmoved by the compromise on abortion language included in the Senate bill, and the Democratic congressman seems willing to work with Republican leaders to make his case. One of his aides this morning sent urgent emails to Catholic bishops and various anti-abortion groups imploring them to speak out against the Senate deal. Politico got hold of the emails and notes that an aide to GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell was in the loop.

“Guys—when will we see your letters of opposition to the managers amendment?? We need them ASAP!” wrote a Stupak aide soon after the Senate amendment became available. A McConnell aide followed up a minute later: “(Ben) Nelson is telling people in the building he will vote yes. If there was any time to weigh in against this deal—-THIS IS IT.” Stupak is under pressure by the White House to accept the compromise, as Nelson eventually did this morning, and his working behind the scenes against it could mean trouble later in the House for President Obama. (More Bart Stupak stories.)