Alabama Dems Betrayed by Parker Griffith's Switch to GOP
December 22nd, 2009It didn’t take long — after the news hit the Web in what was billed as an “exclusive” by Politico that Huntsville Congressman Parker Griffith was abandoning the Democratic Party that got him to Washington, to join the Republicans — before Democrats began to express their disappointment and betrayal.
Joe Turnham, chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, sent out a press release expressing “extreme disappointmen.” He said he had already taken numerous phone calls from key leaders throughout the Tennessee Valley voicing their commitment to support a strong Democrat who can win the 5th Congressional District next year.
“Parker has been a friend for a number of years, but his announcement today, and the way in which he did it, deeply disappoints me,” Turnham said. “Democrats of every stripe and philosophy sweated and bled for this man. He narrowly became a Congressman through the hard work, votes and financial contributions of thousands of Democrats.”
“Today,” he said, “they feel betrayed.”
Congressman Griffith, like his successful predecessor, Bud Cramer was well-positioned as a Blue Dog Democrat in the majority party in Washington to broker for his district and become the swing voice and vote for good public policy; yet, he has left his old friends for his new friends, and will ultimately find that he has no political friends left at all at the end of the day.
“Alabama Democrats have a deep political bench in the 5th District and we will nominate a formidable challenger to fill this seat next year,” Turnham claimed, although a strong contender has yet to emerge even in the suggestions of the state’s top Democratic Party e-mail lists.
“But who can we run?” wrote one frustrated voter in Griffith’s district.
“If Congressman Griffith survives a Republican Primary battle next year, he should be prepared to bring his lunch if he hopes to hold this seat in November of 2010,” Turnham said. “Our folks are motivated to right this wrong.”
The state party also called on Parker Griffith to return the thousands of dollars of Democratic donations he has raised, altough so far there is no response on that from the conservative doctor who pretty obviously fooled a lot of progressive Democratic voters to put him in office, then betrayed them on vote after vote, from equal rights to health care.
Artur Davis, who holds the seat in Congress including Birmingham,
Tuscaloosa and the Black Belt, who is certainly no liberal or progressive Democrat and some have speculated he might switch party’s to try and fulfill his ambition to be the state’s first black governor, called Griffith’s decision to become a Republican “ironic,” given the bashing Griffith took from the GOP in the 2008 election.
“While I will continue to respect and work with Congressman Griffith, his decision repudiates the hard work of many Democrats who sustained him during his election to two high offices,” Davis said. “It is an ironic turn of events that he will now run under the banner of a party that subjected him to one of the most savage and false negative campaigns in the country in 2008.”
“He leaves a party where differences of opinion are tolerated and respected to join a party that in Washington, marches in lockstep, demands the most rigid unity, and articulates no governing philosophy beyond the forceful use of the word, ‘no,’” Davis said.
Alabama State Treasurer candidate Jeremy Sherer said Griffith’s defection “brings finality to his disappointing first year as a Democratic Congressman.”
“Congressman Griffith has stated today that Democrats do not represent his values,” Sherer said. “However, Congressman Griffith voiced a different message when he campaigned or served in elected office as a Democrat for more than 15 years. His defection today is nothing more than political self-service, and concludes his failure to represent Democratic values in Congress.”
“Congressman Griffith from the outset of his time in Washington betrayed the interests of those who helped elect him by his opposition to the Lily Ledbetter Act and its efforts to protect the rights of workers,” Sherer said. “Continually, Congressman Griffith refused to uphold the best interests of those who gave him their trust and vote in November of 2008.”
“Congressman Griffith’s experience as a physician placed him in a unique role to shape the debate regarding healthcare reform, and yet Congressman Griffith failed to exercise the leadership he promised to lend while on the campaign trail,” Sherer said.
The 5th Congressional District is one that is historically progressive, he said, very much akin to northern Virginia, and has the ability to be a dynamic force in state and national Democratic politics like northern Virginia.
“I am confident that in November of 2010, the 5th District will once again choose a progressive Democrat, over any Republican,” Sherer said. “If Congressman Griffith is found to be more trustworthy than he has shown himself to be today, and represents the Republican Party in 2010, I have no doubt that he will be humbled by the same voters he betrayed today.”
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:49 pm
From Pam’s List:
Parker Griffith needs to see a proctologist who can treat him for “opticalrectitus,” which is a malady that occurs when the optic nerve comes in contact with the rectal nerve, causing a shitty outlook on life. The problem is that there is no known cure for those who suffer from the Republican strain of this disease. Also, it is not covered in most insurance policies and is not covered in the Senate bill.
David Walters
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:50 pm
We knew it was coming.
It’s a stupid move though – How is switching to the minority party going to help his district? The GOP is going to run an ideologically pure teabagger approved candidate against Griffith anyway. I hope Griffith enjoys his two years in Washington.
Kip Shepherd
********
Taste cannot be controlled by law. – Thomas Jefferson
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I can’t think of anything bad enough to call the SOB right now. I made a sign and put it in the window of my car. It says ‘parker griffith is a filthy lying lowdown traitor’ two people have already stopped and told me they agree with me!
Paula Hurst
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:52 pm
So that quack finally showed his true colours eh The Repugs must have promised him the moon.
He should be right at home with Shelby & other traitors.
Maggi
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:20 am
Libertarians would characterize this move by Griffith as essentially meaningless, ideologically, since there is little difference, if any, between “blue dog Democrats” and Republicans. If Griffith actually believes there is a difference, then he is drinking the same kool-aide that most Washingtonians regularly drink to maintain their delusions about many things.
Two items of note that relate to this:
Bill Moyers’s program on PBS last Friday night during which Moyers lamented that the Obama administration is now in the pocket of the big bankers, aka Wall Street financial interests. True or not? The show can be downloaded and viewed from the PBS website.
This morning on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Scarborough contended that 2010 elections would bring about a “fundamental change” unlike any we’ve seen in many decades. Wait — wasn’t 2008 supposed to do that? In any event, it will be interesting to see what kind of “fundamental change” may be wrought next year. Part, maybe most, of the impetus for Joe’s opinion might well be that the health care “reform” coming out of Congress isn’t much of a reform, that we are still committed to a long-term war in Afghanistan, and we are in the process of running the largest deficits in history over the next few years.
No, it won’t be a year in which third party candidates magically get elected to Congress en masse as voters tire of the major parties. But it may be the beginning of a new period in US politics in which non-traditional candidates, of whatever stripe, oust long-time incumbents.
Griffith’s “defection” from one branch of the monopoly dual party is insignificant to what may lie ahead in 2010 and 2012.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Alabama Dems Demand Return of Voter Data from Griffith Campaign
On the eve of his announcement of his party switch, Main Street Strategies, the Huntsville political consulting shop of Parker Griffith, downloaded sensitive voter identification data that was the property of the Alabama Democratic Party. This final act was obviously intended to aid Mr. Griffith in his new role as a Republican candidate. Upon hearing of Mr. Griffith’s switch, security measures were taken to prevent further transfers of data.
“The Democratic Party has spent untold sums of money building good data for elections and we make that data available to our Democratic candidates and officeholders. Mr. Griffith’s campaign benefited from this asset, and he wouldn’t be a Congressman today without it. Yet, in the wee hours before he became a Republican, Parker Griffith’s political operatives, with full knowledge of what was occurring, went online and downloaded our confidential records,” chairman Joe Turnham said.
“Congressman Griffith and Main Street Strategies’ operatives knew full well this information was the property of the Democratic Party. We call on him to apologize and see that this data is immediately deleted from his consultant’s hard drive or we will look into possible legal action,” said Jim Spearman, Executive Director of the Alabama Democratic Party.
“It is my personal hope that Congressman Griffith knew nothing of this act and that it was the lone unethical action of a political consultant. But the party will consult with our attorney, and with authorities if necessary, to assess our remedy in these matters. If an apology is made and the data returned, we could consider moving on based on the goodwill of this season.” Turnham said.
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Downloading data to which you do not have legal access is at least unethical if not in violation of the law. Spearman and company should march right into court (maybe two courts, civil and criminal) and seek redress.
Meantime, it’s sad that Griffith has fallen into the “keep yourself in office at any cost” mode that signals the politician in question is interested in little else but that.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Parker Griffith said he’ll give back any of those contributions if people ask him to.
Griffith’s address is:
WASHINGTON OFFICE
417 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-0105
Phone: 202-225-4801
HUNTSVILLE OFFICE
2101 Clinton Avenue West, Suite 302
Huntsville, Alabama 35805
Phone: 551-0190
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Is Parker Griffith aware that the United States got into serious financial difficulties because Republicans primarily instigated the expenditure of hundreds of billions of dollars on weapons and wars that were not needed?
What Democrats want to spend on the vital needs of people amounts to peanuts when compared to the billions Republicans want to spend on more than 700 military bases in 146 countries. Republicans, with some Democrats, want 6 new military bases in Columbia to provoke peaceful Venezuela.
Does Parker Griffith know that as long as Republicans have the last say in US foreign policies, our economy is assuredly on its way to destruction? Parker Griffith may find it difficult to vote for a lousy few billions to help improve the health and education of Americans. But he would not hesitate to vote for countless trillions on weapons and needless wars.
The question we need to raise about our politicians in Washington DC is this: Where does the primary political interest of each of our senators and congressmen lie? Does it lie on the vital needs of the American people, or does it primarily lie on the greedy interests of big corporations?
Charles
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I’m not in the 5th District, but I’ll gladly volunteer to help fill out those “request forms” for the return of campaign contributions. I hope you 5th District Democrats, who worked for and donated to the scumbag can punch a huge hole in his campaign war chest.
Gracedesigns
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
TPMDC to join the Republicans.
Taking Stock Of Parker Griffith: From The D To The R In The AL-05
Christina Bellantoni
In what should have been a sleepy recess week for the House of Representatives, Rep. Parker Griffith
The GOP was thrilled to add to their ranks and ready to use it as proof, they say, that Democrats could lose control of the House in 2010.
The Democrats were sad to lose a member but not really missing his vote since Griffith (AL) wasn’t with them on health care or other broad party agenda items and was a frequent Obama critic .
The facts on the ground suggest it’s certainly not going to be smooth sailing to reelection from a new party.
National Republicans were elated but the conservative, anti-establishment movement within the party cast a skeptical eye toward Griffith.
The two Republican candidates who were vying to challenge him as an incumbent now plan to primary him faster than you can say Dede Scozzafava.
Republicans were happy to kick sand into the face of Democrats who are on the verge of a health care win but they have the rather large problem of attack ads they ran against him (which TPMDC has preserved here ) and the potential for another intra-party battle to divert attention and resources.
It also will focus national attention on the race between a relatively unknown
incumbent and a newcomer, which either party could benefit from depending on the mood come November 2010.
Sarah Palin likes him, or at least sent him a warm welcome.
From a public relations perspective the timing is a bit strange. The statements from happy Republicans flooded our inbox but the optics would have been better for Griffith politically if he’d made the move when the House was in session (the week they returned from recess, for example, or even before they adjourned).
TPMDC checked in with another southern Democrat whose district is trending redder, but his office wanted to focus on the holidays.
Alabama readers, please stay in touch and let us know what you’re hearing on the ground.
Late Update: TPMDC’s Evan McMorris-Santoro chatted with Alabama Democratic party chair Joe Turnham tonight , and he said he doesn’t expect a new Democratic candidate to emerge in Griffith’s district until after the holidays.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Just received a call saying the DCCC has already begun recruiting Ron to run for congress.
Ron Sparks says he’s not ruling out a run for 5th District
By The Associated Press
http://connect.al.com/user/bamaap/index.html
Ron Sparks says he’s still running for governor, but isn’t ruling out a run for Congress instead.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks says he’s still running for governor, but he’s not ruling out making a Democratic bid for Congress in the 5th District.
Speaking in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Sparks said he’s worried about the future of the north Alabama district now that Rep. Parker Griffith has left the majority Democratic Party to become a Republican.
Sparks said he’s gotten some calls from members of Congress discussing a possible House campaign in the district. But for now, he’s still running for governor.
Sparks and Congressman Artur Davis are both seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. Sparks said he will be talking with lots of people in coming days and weeks before making a final decision.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Artur Davis’ campaign fires Rep. Parker Griffith’s consulting firm
http://connect.al.com/user/scampbell/index.html
Congressman Artur Davis
HUNTSVILLE, AL — The Artur Davis for governor campaign has fired the political consulting firm employed by Rep. Parker Griffith.
The Alabama Democratic Party today accused Main Street Strategies of downloading the party’s sensitive voter identification data hours before Griffith switched to the Republican Party.
Alex Goepfert, spokesman for Rep. Davis, D-Birmingham, confirmed that Main Street Strategies and its founder, Joey Ceci, are no longer advising Davis’ bid for governor campaign.
“Due to the events of the last 24 hours, Davis for Governor has accepted Joey Ceci’s resignation and terminated its relationship with Main Street Strategies,” Goepfert said.
Ceci could not be reached for comment.
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2009/12/artur_davis_campaign_fires_rep.html
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Rep. Parker Griffith’s spokesman resigns
http://connect.al.com/user/scampbell/index.html
Parker Griffith announcing his switch to the GOP.
The spokesman for Rep. Parker Griffith resigned Wednesday, the day after his boss switched to the Republican Party.
“It’s time to move on,” Sean Magers said. “It was kind of a tough decision.”
Minutes later in an e-mail to the media, Magers said he enjoyed working with reporters since serving as Griffith’s campaign spokesman.
“I have worked with most of you since April of 2008, and I just wanted to say that I can’t imagine working with and getting to know a better group of people,” Magers wrote.
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Tea Partiers on Griffith: ‘We Do Not Trust Him’
http://washingtonindependent.com/72048/tea-partiers-on-griffith-we-do-not-trust-him>
By David Weigel
http://washingtonindependent.com/author/weigel/
In my piece on Rep. Parker Griffith’s party switch, I quoted Huntsville, Ala., Tea Party leader Christie Carden, one of the conservative activists not impressed by the move. Carden and her fellow Tea Party leaders have just put out a punchy statement on Griffith that makes it clear that they “do not support him” continuing in office.
Whole statement after the jump.
Yesterday, Alabama’s 5th Congressional District Representative, Parker Griffith, switched from the Democrat Party to the Republican Party.
Huntsville Tea Party leaders agree that, “While unexpected, this does not come as a huge shock to us. We believe Griffith made this choice in an act of desperation because be is afraid of losing the 2010 election.“
“Unfortunately for Parker Griffith, we have high standards for our next congressman, and choice excerpts from his voting record do not satisfy us. If you look closely at his record you will see that his first vote was for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House, who is leading the charge for seemingly endless federal control over our lives, and you will see that he has voted with her 84% of the time.”
They added, “We do not consider him a constitutional conservative, which is one of our most significant criteria for candidates, or even a conservative at all. At the Huntsville Space & Rocket Center, when responding to a question about the constitutionality of the health care bill, he indicated that he is past that and that it would be like trying to put toothpaste back into the tube. He also did not deny, at a town hall over the summer, that he had voted with Pelosi about 75% of the time.”
“Over the past year, we have watched him pander towards different audiences. At August town halls he came out strongly against a government-run health care option. Yet, we have heard numerous accounts from local progressives, on talk radio and at town halls themselves, that before he was elected, in 2008, he was for a ‘health care for all’ type of option.”
They concluded, “We are thankful for Parker Griffith’s committed stance on health care, and that he has voted against major socialist bills this year. However, we do not trust him and we do not support him as our next congressman. There are two excellent candidates that are already running in this race: Les Phillip and Mo Brooks. It is our hope and goal that the strongest constitutional conservative will win, and we look forward to participating in this important race.”
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Nancy Pelosi to new Republican Parker Griffith: You’re fired!
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/12/parker-griffith-nancy-pelosi-republican-party.html
Ah, the perquisites of switching political parties as an elected member of the House of Representatives.
At least if, as Alabama Rep. Parker Griffith did Tuesday, you find yourself uncomfortable in Barack Obama’s party of liberal, know-nothing, big-spending, did-we-mention liberal Democrats.
And so, even though you were elected for the first time as a Democrat from northern Alabama just 13 months ago, you grandly, albeit figuratively, walk across the House of Representatives aisle to join the minute crowd of penny-pinching, no-saying, allegedly conservative Republicans who are so important in Washington these days that even empty taxis pass them by.
The first day as an arriving hero/traitor is pretty good times. One party’s Benedict Arnold is another party’s Sir Benedict Arnold.
Lots of media coverage and speculation about tghe increasingly unpopular young man from Illinois and the even less popular old lady running the House. (Have we mentioned Sarah Palin’s favorable ratings are increasing?) GOP smiles and handshakes all around.
But then comes Day Two as a member of the distinctly minority, albeit well-dressed party in Congress. And Speaker Nancy Pelosi begins to wreak her awesome revenge as only high-and-mighty San Franciscans can.
In this delightful video http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/12/parker-griffith-nancy-pelosi-republican-party.html courtesy of the all-knowing, all-seeing, Cyclopean eye of C-SPAN, and spoken in the precisely bland, preciously sanitized language of parliamentary rule, Pelosi has a bored clerk politely purge Griffith from his House committee assignments. Payback time. Bye-bye, Parker.
Oh, the political pain! Can you feel it, folks?
For the moment.
Of course, Griffith, like the slightly-used, new Democrat Sen. Arlen Specter before him, made his defection decision based solely, absolutely and unequivocally on the basis of political principle.
Who in their right or left mind would ever suspect a Washington politician of either party of making a cold, calculated decision on the basis of egotistical expediency? That all goes without saying. So we won’t repeat it here.
But just suggesting, as history does, that if Griffith has calculated correctly about next November’s congressional midterm elections, today’s purgers could well become next year’s purgees.
Politico reports http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1209/30942.html
that John McCain and others are working on persuading other Dems to switch sides a la Griffith.)
A full-blown Republican Revolution like 1994, when the GOP rode public dissatisfaction over the last healthcare reform drive to take control of both houses, seems impossible.
For the moment.
But then, hey, the Guantanamo terrorist detention facility was absolutely positively gonna be closed/shuttered by next week for sure. No doubt about it. The new commander-in-chief vowed, ordered and promised same to the happily watching world on just his second day in office.
And now, just 337 days later it’s gonna be at least 2011 before that happens. If it ever does.
So who can tell what’s coming around the corner in politics?
Stripped
December 29th, 2009 at 4:42 am
I will be supporting Les Phillip against Griffith. If Les were incapacitated, I would not sneeze at helping Mo either, but I believe Les is the best man for the job, especially in light of the new challenge Griffith has presented us with. Griffith will eat up money, but won’t get grassroots support. Les will excel among the three in grassroots support, especially but not exclusively among the tea party groups, which contrary to many claims are simply the disenfranchised base of the out-of-step GOP.