Stupak Heads to Lobbying Firm, Planned Parenthood a Client

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Apr 11, 2011   |   1:30PM   |   Washington, DC

Former Congressman Bart Stupak, the architect of the sellout of Obamacare that saw a handful of pro-life Democrats cave on opposition to the bill over its abortion funding loopholes, is now a lobbyist.

Stupak decided not to run for re-election to his Michigan congressional seat after facing intense criticism for enabling the passage of the biggest expansion of abortion funding since Roe and allowing to become law a bill that presented pro-life groups with conscience concerns and worries about rationing. Pro-life Republican Dan Benishek won the race to replace him.

Now, Stupak will become a partner for Venable LLP, a K-street lobbying firm, and will work in its legislative and government affairs group.

Venable said in a statement that Stupak will work on a range of issues in the political arena for the firm.

“As a senior member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, he helped shape a wide range of policies directly impacting the nation’s economy and led numerous investigations involving the public’s well-being. Our legislative practice and our clients will benefit enormously from Bart’s experience,” Karl Racine, the firm’s managing partner, said in a statement.

However, although he probably will not lobby for the organization directly, Venable’s client list includes the Planned Parenthood of Maryland abortion business.

Stupak said in his own statement, according to The Hill, that he is looking forward to working with the firm.

“Venable is one of the most respected names in Washington, and the firm has an especially strong record of leadership in government affairs. I’ve had numerous contacts with Venable partners over the years and am excited about helping my new colleagues and the firm’s clients navigate choppy congressional waters,” he said.