Michigan Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak will not seek reelection this fall, a decision that comes hard on his front-and-center (and controversial) role in the recent passage of President Barack Obama's health-care legislation.
"This year, after all that we've accomplished, I have decided to begin that new chapter," Stupak wrote in an email to supporters announcing the decision. "I will not seek reelection this November."
A series of prominent Democratic leaders made pleas for him to reconsider - including President Obama who called Stupak on Wednesday - but his mind was made up.
Stupak's seat, which takes in much of northern Michigan's Upper Peninsula, will be a major takeover target for Republicans. Obama carried it with with 50 percent in 2008 but George W. Bush won the district in 2000 and 2004.
Stupak is the 16th House Democrat to announce his retirement; 18 Republicans are calling it quits while a 19th is leaving his District to run in another.
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