Up North Dems Strategize Over Stupak's Seat

<p><em><a href="mailto:payettepc@interlochen.org">By Mary Ellen Geist</a></em></p> <p>Democrats are calling special meetings in places from the Upper Peninsula to Traverse City to strategize in the wake of Congressman Bart Stupak's retirement announcement last week. The long-time Congressman will not run again when his term expires.</p> <p>Connie Saltonstall was at a meeting last night in Boyne City. The former teacher and Charlevoix County Commissioner is one of the democrats vying for Stupak's job. She says some radio talk show hosts are creating an atmosphere of fear in national politics. </p> <p>"It's really reaching a dangerous level," she says. "People are talking about this dangerous environment, which brings up the question: Am I really ready to take on these crazies? And the answer is, "Yes." </p> <p>Saltonstall says Stupak's deal-making on healthcare reform brought her into the race: </p> <p>"I do feel he betrayed the constituents in the first district, because I believe that health insurance reform was vital for the people in this district and the protections that it will offer are very important. And for him to be willing to sacrifice that crossed the line in my book."</p> <p>Saltonstall says her campaign has raised more than $100,000 dollars in the first three weeks, not only from the 1st District but from across the country. She's been endorsed by several national abortion-rights organizations. </p>