Stupak Joins D.C. Lobbying Firm

A former nine-term Democratic congressman who was a linchpin of the House's passage of the health care law is joining a high-powered Washington law and lobbying firm.

Former Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., will become a partner in Venable LLP's Legislative and Government Affairs Group.

Stupak was a vocal member of a group of anti-abortion Democrats who stalled last year's health care legislation until President Obama agreed to sign an executive order that funding in the bill wouldn't be used to provide abortions.

But in light of Stupak's new job, his anti-abortion position has already raised some eyebrows in Washington since Planned Parenthood of Maryland is listed on Venable's website as a client. Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider.

Republicans in the House pushed to deny federal funding for the group in the recent 2011 budget fight.