One Down, Many To Go...
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 11:54AM 
(FLP Opinion) - I wrote yesterday that the GOP could expect to benefit from the migration of several Democrats to the Republican Party in the next 24 months. Well, the timing of my post was very good, as today it was announced that freshman Alabama Congressman Parker Griffith has decided to leave the Democrat Party and become a Republican.
The Democrats have gone so far left, that they have greatly exposed their moderate flank - and the moderate flank knows it. Hence, they are left with two choices: 1) Be defeated by a Republican challenger in 2010, or 2) Switch parties and hope that a more conservative challenger doesn't primary you.
Stay tuned, this is only the beginning.
Chuck (FL Pundit)
Parker Griffith statement of switching parties: “Unfortunately there are those in the Democratic Leadership that continue to push an agenda focused on massive new spending, tax increases, bailouts and a health care bill that is bad for our healthcare system,” Griffith said in a statement. “I have always considered myself to be an independent voice and I have tried to be that voice in Congress – but after watching this agenda firsthand I now believe that the differences in the two parties could not be more clear and that for me to be true to my core beliefs and values I must align myself with the Republican party and speak out clearly on these issues."
Reader Comments (3)
I'd like to know more about his leanings and beliefs. Is the GOP "tent" big enough for him? Just how conservative is he? We don't need another RINO in the party.
One more thought ... maybe there will be other defections from the Democrat Party to the GOP. Then when they vote FOR the health care bill, Reid and Pelosi can claim that it was a bipartsan bill. Remember, you saw it here first.
Bruce, from my perspective, there is no such thing as a conservative Democrat, so best case he would be a RINO and probably face a primary challenge from the Right. That being said, I give the guy a lot of credit for making the tough choice and switching parties.
With regard to your second point, he didn't vote for the Health Care bill, so they can't hang it around his neck. He was one of 36 Democrats in the House who voted against the bill. Can't speak for others who may migrate right, but this guy is safe from that perspective.