There’s a serious outbreak of a deadly disease that has taken the political life of another victim. Bart Stupak – erstwhile “Leader of the Pro-Life Coalition” during the health care debate – announced today that his congressional career is kaput. Fini. Over. Stick a fork in it – it’s done. Put some jam in his pockets – he’s toast. Done.

Using the ever popular meme of wanting to spend more time with his family and garnishing it with a touch of “I’ve accomplished everything I’ve set out to do”, Stupak attempted to gloss over the obvious: His odds of winning reelection in November were about equal to the odds of Tiger Woods getting the “Husband of the Year” Award. A quick look at the campaign checkbook and his latest poll numbers were confirmation that his decision to abandon his touted pro-life principles was a fatal one.

There’s a moral to this story: If you’re going to sell out, better hope the price you’ll pay is worth whatever it is that you sold out for.