Republican Challengers to Stupak React at Soo Tea Party

While standing in 30 degree weather in Sault Ste. Marie, waiting for the Tea Party Express, I had the opportunity to ask some of Bart Stupak’s challengers what they thought about the 9-term Congressman’s exit from Congress that day.

One of his challengers is Tom Stillings.  Born in Massachusetts, Tom is  a former steel broker, who worked his way up to that position, retired and moved to the lower peninsula part of the First District 14 years ago from Detroit.  Described as a “tea party” Republican, Tom resides in Torch Lake.

I asked Tom what his reaction was to Stupak’s retirement announcement earlier that day.

Tom replied, “Stupak jumping out today is a credit to all the people of the district, but especially the tea party people in the Northern Michigan Liberty Alliance.  Because you know what, you people are the ones who sent him outta town.  I have the Stillings Solution, which is a multi-step process.  Step One was to get rid of Stupak, and you guys did all the heavy lifting for me, he’s gone, now I can just jump right to step two.  So this is good, and I thank you people.  You did America a great service by running ol’ Bart out of town.”

I posed the same question to Dr. Dan Benishek.  Dr. Benishek is a general surgeon who was lived and worked in the First District nearly his whole life.

Dr. Benishek responded, “I think we should pray for Mr. Stupak, and I think we should wish him well, and have a good time with his family.  I think we should move on, and be happy he is out of Congress, and go on with our lives.  That what we should do, but, he needs our prayers.”