"I regretfully announce that I am withdrawing from the Democratic primary for U.S. Representative in Michigan’s First Congressional District.
"I am forced to do this because it has become apparent to my campaign that the leadership of the Michigan Democratic Party has preemptively anointed Gary McDowell as their Democratic candidate. They are replacing Bart Stupak with another Upper Peninsula, anti-choice, anti-women’s healthcare rights candidate. From past experience, I realize that with the Michigan Democratic Party actively opposing me, I will not be able to raise the money necessary to conduct a winning campaign. I am not the only candidate that has been the target of this kind of manipulation. I hope that in the future the Party will reject this interference and insist on an open primary allowing voters to choose the candidate who represents their values.
"I challenged Bart Stupak because he was threatening to take down the health care bill. His amendment threatened access for women to get health insurance even with private funds. There is an aggressive movement across the country to pass laws to restrict women from making responsible health care choices to protect their health, and furthermore, to criminalize their actions. The same people who think government should stay out of their lives, are legislating government into the doctor’s office. Individuals, families, and physicians are the ones who should be making the complicated and difficult decisions we all face regarding reproductive health care and life issues.
"While I think Gary MacDowell is a very nice person, I cannot support his anti-choice politics, and I cannot support a party that endorses candidates who vote to restrict women’s legal rights and access to health care. It is time for Democrats to stop compromising on this issue. I am proud that my campaign has raised the dialogue on health care and choice, and I will continue my leadership role concerning these issues.
"I want to thank all of my supporters in the First District and across the nation who contributed their time, money, endorsements, and good wishes for my campaign. We were first in the race, raised more money than any other Democratic candidate to date, collected over 1500 petition signatures, put together a professional campaign team and a path to victory. Without the interference of the democratic leadership, we might just have won the election!"
A long-time Charlevoix resident, Saltonstall lost a Michigan House race in 2008. She has served on the Chalevoix County Commission and Charlevoix Schools Board of Education.
Shortly after announcing her candidacy, she secured the Endorsement of NOW, MI List and Blue America. NOW President Terry O’Neill said in March that the organization intended to mobilize its chapters in support of Saltonstall, stating that defeating incumbent Congressman Bart Stupak is one of her “highest priorities”.
In April, the Saltonstall campaign reported it had raised more than $120,000.
MacDowell, a term-limited State Representative serving the 107th District, had previously announced his bid for State Senate.
MacDowell, a term-limited State Representative serving the 107th District, had previously announced his bid for State Senate.
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