The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Parker Griffith Becomes the First Democrat to Switch Parties Ahead of 2010 Elections

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The Spectacle Blog

Parker Griffith Becomes the First Democrat to Switch Parties Ahead of 2010 Elections

By W. James Antle, III on 12.22.09 @ 12:44PM

The Politico is reporting that Rep. Parker Griffith (D-Ala.) will become a Republican today. The freshman represents a conservative district seen as a prime pickup opportunity for the GOP in 2010, shades of 1994-95. This illustrates the awkward position red- and purple-district Democrats find themselves in after a year of tough votes forced by the Obama administration and the congressional Democratic leadership. Barack Obama wasn't popular in some of these districts when he was winning in 2008; he hasn't gotten more popular in them now.

Like a lot of Blue Dogs, Griffith has a voting record that pleases nobody. This move doesn't ensure his reelection. He is still likely to face a Republican primary challenge to his right.

View all comments (12) | Leave a comment

Derek Leaberry| 12.22.09 @ 1:04PM

Rep. Griffith was going to lose re-election so he switched. Who will be next? Frank Kratovil of the Maryland Eastern Shore? Mike McIntyre of Wilmington NC? Bobby Bright of Alabama? Walt Minnick of Idaho? Maybe Gene Taylor of Mississippi?

W. James Antle III| 12.22.09 @ 4:41PM

Gene Taylor has held on to his seat as a Democrat for a long time now -- partly because he's had good political judgment about when to vote with his leadership and when to vote with the folks back home.

Tim| 12.22.09 @ 1:08PM

Primary challenge. The RNC will Scozzafy him.

Kenneth E. MacAlister Jr.| 12.22.09 @ 1:33PM

This is great if the guy truly espouses conservative principles. If he doesn't it is no different than electing another RINO who will vote like a Democrat anyway. I'll hold my enthusiasm until he proves he is truly a conservative.

glenny| 12.22.09 @ 1:37PM

Key question: Who does he vote for as Speaker of the House in Jan 2011?? glenny

SoCon| 12.22.09 @ 1:57PM

Just what we need; another RINO weathervane.

Thanks but no thanks.

dum&dummer;| 12.22.09 @ 2:07PM

so right socon. we need to throw the whole lot out and start over from scratch.

Old Oak Tree| 12.22.09 @ 6:08PM

I'm donating to the RNCC today in his honor.

tom| 12.23.09 @ 1:11AM

Anything that scares the bejesus out of the Democrats in the House before the next healthcare vote.. is welcome news.

Nancy Pelosi now knows that if she pisses off the Blue Dogs too much.. they may follow in Griffith's footsteps..

Warren Piece| 12.23.09 @ 7:38AM

What he does in the future can wait until then. For now, take support wherever we can get it.

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louis vuitton| 4.26.10 @ 10:37PM

we election in this sprawling upstate district represents a political "revolution." canada goose another ACORN revelation (presumably from the O'Keefe/Giles video duo) is coming tomorrow, and he characterized it as "devastating.