There's more angst for the Democrats as they look to this fall's midterm elections. Congressman Bart Stupak of Michigan, who easily won re-election last term, now says he will step down after his term and "looks forward to begin a new and exciting chapter." The 58-year Democrat played a key role in negotiating an anti-abortion compromise in the national health overhaul legislation last month. Key leaders in the Democratic Party, including the president had urged Stupak to stay in office. The open seat leaves another opportunity for the GOP in November.
MELISSA BLOCK, Host: And back here in the studio with E.J. Dionne and David Brooks. David Brooks, Bart Stupak today said the Tea Party did not run me out. Did they run them out?</s>DAVID BROOKS: I don't know, it's a multi- factored thing. He was obviously exhausted. He talked about this in years past. But this happens to be a year where on the generic ballot, the Democrats are in terrible shape. It's supposed to be tough for any Democrat in a tough race. And it's especially tough for a Democrat who's socially conservative and economically liberal as he was. There just aren't many Democrats like that. He got hit from both sides. So it's going to be, I would think an unlikely race he couldn't have won anyway.</s>MELISSA BLOCK, Host: And E.J., a sign of things to come, do you think?</s>DIONNE: Some on the right end of the pro-life movement said he shouldn't have accepted any compromise, but this was a pretty strong pro-life compromise. You've had other retirements this year that suggests some Democrats know it's going to be tough. But I think it was the emotional sort of feeling he had of being really attacked by some of the people on the pro-life side for whom he had been a hero for so long. And I think that was really tough for him.</s>MELISSA BLOCK, Host: Thanks to you both, and have a great weekend.</s>DIONNE: Thank you.</s>DAVID BROOKS: Thank you.</s>MELISSA BLOCK, Host: E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Brookings Institution, and David Brooks of The New York Times.