Breaking News: Alabama Dem Parker Griffith (AL-05) Switching Parties

by: admin

Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:51:09 AM CST

Not really a surprise based on his voting patterns and his comments that he would not vote for Speaker Pelosi again for Speaker.

However, I think it's a shame as this district had been reliably Democratic with Bud Cramer who Griffith replaced in 2008. Will be interesting to see if the other announced Republicans stay in in the race.

At least the DCCC won't waste any money on a DINO in this race. Let's hope that we can get a good Dem in this race like former state Auditor and current Public Service Commissioner Susan Parker. She said she's running for re-election.

The folks over at Left in Alabama weigh in heavily with some deserved angst

Can I charge him with fraud?   (0.00 / 0)
Can I demand the return of the small contribution I gave him as a Democrat to a Democrat?  Could all of his contributors file a class action suit?  Blech!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by: Gayla @ Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:28:47 AM CST

That SOB! (0.00 / 0)
He's just another Richard Shelby, determined to get power and keep it.  He must think the Republicans will take back the House in 2010.  I hope the voters of his district send him home.
by: Kathy @ Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:37:35 AM CST
[ Parent ]
by: you @ soon

Snake in the grass (0.00 / 0)
He should give back every dime he raised as a Democrat!  Every damned dime!  I certainly want mine back.

Work harder and work smarter!
by: mooncat @ Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:38:01 AM CST
by: you @ soon

I'm still trying to get back my initial vote for Richard Shelby, (0.00 / 0)
when he ran against Jeremiah Denton (R-wingnut) in 1986.  I still remember shaking his hand on a street corner in downtown Birmingham when he was campaigning -- as a Democrat.  I wouldn't spit on him if I saw him today.
by: Kathy @ Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:45:25 AM CST

Without Blue Dog Support: HCR Would Have Failed

by: admin

Sun Nov 08, 2009 at 00:59:34 AM CST

Of course the Alabama Blue Dogs : Bobby Bright and Parker Griffith were not a part of the group that voted for passage of the health care bill. Neither was Artur Davis (D +18) although not a Blue Dog. I'm very disappointed in all three of these Congressman.

below the thread the list of those that provided cover for these and others

Parker Griffith (Al-05 - Snakeinthegrassville) Will Not Vote for Pelosi As Speaker

by: admin

Tue Aug 25, 2009 at 16:23:21 PM CDT

"I would not vote for her," Rep. Parker Griffith (D-Ala.) told a constituent at a town hall meeting when asked if he'd support Pelosi. "Someone that divisive and that polarizing cannot bring us together."

Griffith joked that if Pelosi didn't care for his criticism, he has a message for her.

"If she doesn't like it, I've got a gift certificate to the mental health center," he said, according to the Times.

Now Griffith did not say if he would vote for another Democrat as Speaker of the House or a Republican. However, I do not think the Dr. from Huntsville and other Blue Dog Dems should hold the party hostage and continue to get our loyalty.  The DCCC needs to recruit a candidate to run against Griffith and openly support them in a primary.

If we are not careful, we could end up with a whole bunch of Rodney  Alexanders and Richard Shelbys who decided to leave us high and dry.  

Blue Dogs Come on Board: Health Care Reform Train Moving Along

by: admin

Wed Jul 29, 2009 at 21:10:18 PM CDT

Earlier in the day, Rep. Mike Ross of Arkansas, speaking for four Blue Dog Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said that the agreement called for the panel to begin debating the bill later in the day but for the full House not to vote until after the August recess.

Ross and the Blue Dogs had threatened to derail the bill in the committee because of concerns that it costs too much and fails to address systemic problems in the nation's ailing health care industry.

The Blue Dogs had presented committee Chairman Henry Waxman with a list of 10 items that they wanted changed in health care reform proposals. Neither side revealed what the 10 items were.

Ross said the deal between four Blue Dogs on the House committee, the House Democratic leadership and the White House lowers the cost of the House health care reform plan by $100 billion and also exempts businesses with payrolls below $500,000 from having to provide health coverage for workers.

He also said the bill's government-funded public insurance option -- a key provision for Obama and Democratic leaders -- would be a choice for consumers instead of coverage forced on people without health insurance.

Whether or not the Senate will get something done before recess that can be voted on in September remains to be seen. While this is good news for health care reform chances, not all are pleased as some of the more liberal members of Congress are said to be concerned that the public option has been weakened.  

Quick Thoughts: Blue Dog Dems, Michael Vick, Pete Rose and More

by: admin

Mon Jul 27, 2009 at 22:14:28 PM CDT

2. Michael Vick gets reinstated but will any NFL team actually pick him up this year. Is it just me or does Roger Goddell unilaterally make all decisions related to NFL personnel? Will Goddell end the NFL draft in 2010 and just assign players to teams?

3. Pete Rose - We talk about Charlie Hustle being reinstated ever year but nothing happens. Jim Rice might get in the Hall of Fame before Rose - wait scratch that because Rice did get in the Hall of Fame - okay Rose might get in before McGwire

4. Jim Bunning (KY-Sen) says he will not seek a third term . The best news the Republican National Senate Committee has had since Larry Craig said he would retire. Seriously.

Blue Dogs and Health Care

by: admin

Thu Jul 16, 2009 at 15:34:31 PM CDT

Probably should not be that surprised with the results since the Blue Dogs mostly represent very rural areas. The high number of uninsured in rural America as we know is astounding.

16.9 percent of people in AL-02 (Bright)

and 14.9 percent of people in AL-05 (Griffith) are uninsured.  

Bobby Bright (AL-02) : A Major Challenge on His Hands

by: admin

Wed Jul 15, 2009 at 21:39:13 PM CDT

Roby raised $125k in the quarter ending on June 30. What shows that Roby will be a strong contender is the fact that she did not spend hardly any money. She has 125k cash on hand.

Bright probably exceeded many expectations with a 219k quarter . He has approximately 358k on hand.

However, Bright was able to pick up a lot of his money in Federal PAC contributions. Nearly all of Roby's money was individual contributions.  

Democrats Running Like Democrats

by: admin

Tue Oct 28, 2008 at 19:57:38 PM CDT

Take the Blue Dog coalition for example, a group of so-called conservative Democrats. A number of these members endorsed Obama early in the primary. A couple of prime examples are Jim Cooper of Tennessee and John Barrow of Georgia. In fact, Obama has already reached out to a number of the Blue Dog members in hopes that he can work with them on their concerns of needing tighten the reigns of the budget.