Democratic Louisiana congressman switches to GOP

Associated Press

[Linux4Life]

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander switched his party affiliation to Republican on Friday — making the surprise flip in the last minute of registration for the Nov. 2 ballot virtually assuring the seat for the GOP.

Alexander, a first-term congressman from Quitman, had registered at the start of qualifying on Wednesday as a Democrat. At that time he said, "I'm not ashamed to be a Democrat but I vote what I think the people of the 5th District want me to represent."

There is another strong Republican in the three-candidate field. He is Jock Scott, a former state representative from Alexandria. The Democrat is Zelma "Tisa" Blakes, of Monroe, a political newcomer who called herself a "domestic engineer" when she qualified on Wednesday.

Asked if the party will get behind a political unknown, state Democratic Party chairman Mike Skinner said they will explore all possible options, but wouldn't say if they will get behind her.

Under the unique Louisiana open primary system, all candidates run on the same ballot regardless of party. If no one gets more than half the vote on Nov. 2, a runoff will be held in December.

In Washington, Democrats reacted angrily.

http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/politics-0/1091831946310660.xml?aponline

[onyx]

Y'all know anything about this?
Is the democrat turned Republican for real?

[Linux4Life]

According to the article "Alexander's decision leaves House Republicans with 229 seats to 205 for the Democrats with one Democratic-leaning independent. With the switch, Democrats must now gain 12 seats this fall to win the majority."

[onyx]

I am merely wondering if he's on the level;
that his voting record shows he votes with
the GOP.

I hope isn't just switching parties in name
only to thwart a challenge from this Jock guy.

[ambrose]

In Washington, Democrats reacted angrily.

DemoRats = The Party of Rage.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

He can not be too bad if environmental activists hate him.


July 15, 2004

Longtime environmental activist Michael Caire blasted 5th District U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander's record on enhancing the region's natural resources, but the West Monroe doctor didn't say he will run for Alexander's seat this fall.

Caire called a news conference on Wednesday at West Monroe City Hall, where it was assumed he was going to announce his candidacy.

Instead, Caire said Alexander's record on the environment "is the worst I've seen in 25 years as an environmental activist," but he was vague on whether he will run against Alexander.

Caire, a lifelong Democrat, ran unsuccessfully for the 5th District seat in 1996. Alexander, a first-term congressman, also is a Democrat.

[NCPAC]

I just checked out Alexander's Congressional Web page. Under "Issues," he states he: A veteran; is pro-military force to protect the nation; fights for the sanctity of life; has been married for 35 years; and is a Christian.

[Ciexyz]

Impressive bio.

[Linux4Life]

Thanks for that info.

[nana4bush]

Onyx, this guy is really a nice conservative. He has performed well since he took office and has supported the President consistently. He has impressed me even though I fought hard against him 2 years ago.

I think he may have got to Washington & was disillusioned by the Dems there. Pelosi is enough to scare any sane person!

I would love to know the inside scoop on this & I will be asking around to find out. He sort of mentioned doing this months ago, but Breaux, Landrieu, & Gov Blanco applied some pressure & the whole idea got dropped.

This is fantastic.

[Conservative_boy_in_Bangkok]

Awesome news.

[onyx]

Your word is good enough for me.
Me bad. I should have pinged you.

[nana4bush]

This just has to be a good thing. Did you see how hard this switch has hit Breaux & Landrieu. They really got a nasty surprise & had some very strong responses. Blanco was speechless & has not commented.

I really love that Friday pm deadline manuever to fake out Mary, Breaux & the Gov.

Rodney has made regular visits throughout the district to check our pulse. He would leave a message on my answering machine at home alerting that he would be at our Civic Center the next day if we had concerns he could help with. I think this is a cool move!

[gatorbait]

For real.

[phillyfanatic]

The fact that Kerry has left Louisiana to Bush and now this switch bodes well for the GOP in both Presidential and House races. It gives the GOP another seat and could hasten the appearance of other switches before Nov. There are seats in Texas that could do that. Dems hate this because to them, loyalty is more important than truth, ideas, and foundational policies. This guy supported the Bush tax cuts too so of course the Dems are furious.

[DeaconBenjamin]

He sort of mentioned doing this months ago, but Breaux, Landrieu, & Gov Blanco applied some pressure & the whole idea got dropped.

Sounds more like he mentioned doing this months ago, but was pressured not to do so, so he waited until the Democrats couldn't anoint a real candidate before making the switch.

[nana4bush]

Amen, Deacon. It seems they may have threatened Rodney with that real candidate who would have all their support & $$$ (Dem machine) back in March.

Great maneuvering on his part to act like he was playing their game like a good little DemocRAT. And then give them shock & awe at Friday deadline filing time.

[Just Lori]

I've seen some news coverage on this. They're calling him a traitor. Hmmmm... I seem to remember another politician doing this, but he did it AFTER he was elected by the voters.... as a REPUBLICAN. Didn't hear much scorn from the dems over Jumpin' Jim.