Stupak weighs run for Michigan governor

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., says he is weighing a run for Michigan governor.

Stupak told The Detroit News Thursday he's "struggling" over the decision and will go to Detroit to meet with party leaders and constituent groups.

"If I get in, I get in to win," Stupak said. "I'll hear out party leaders. The decision is not imminent. It'll be awhile. I'm a practical guy."

He told the newspaper "folks" had urged him to consider running after Lt. Gov. John Cherry dropped out of the 2010 governor's race.

Because he's a "pro-gun, pro-life" candidate, Stupak said, it would normally be hard to win the Michigan primary "but these are unusual circumstances." Stupak, who was elected to Congress in 1992, has threatened to vote against the House healthcare bill unless it includes new restrictions on federal funding for abortions.

He told the News he doesn't expect to decide on a gubernatorial run until Congress reaches final agreement on healthcare reform legislation.

By law, if Stupak runs for governor, he cannot also run for re-election to Congress, the newspaper said.

Before he was elected to Congress, Stupak served in the Michigan state legislature and as a Michigan State Police trooper.