Posted on 10/03/2005 10:16:43 AM PDT by Bluegrass Conservative
Democrat in Kentucky House switching to GOP
RYAN LENZ
Associated Press
HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. - State Rep. James Carr of Hopkinsville, elected last year as a Democrat, announced Monday he was switching to the Republican Party.
With Carr's defection, Democrats now hold a 56-44 advantage in the House.
"The leadership of the Kentucky Democratic Party is out of step with many rank-and-file Kentucky Democrat voters who hold issues such as gun control, abortion and the military close to their hearts," Carr said at a news conference. He was accompanied by U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield.
Carr, 41, defeated Republican Tom C. Jones by 200 votes in the 2004 general election to win the seat that represents the western Kentucky counties of Christian and Trigg, along the Tennessee border. Carr, a Baptist, holds a bachelor's degree from Murray State University and is a former magistrate in Christian County. He defeated Democratic incumbent John Adams in the May 2004 primary.
"I am and have always been a Christian conservative," said Carr. "Today I see too many Democratic leaders not willing to make a stand."
State Sen. Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville, who attended the announcement, said he wasn't surprised by Carr's defection. Carr had "fallen into the trap that you've got to be a Republican to be a Christian," Pendleton said.
Pendleton said McConnell should have more important things to worry about. Instead, Pendleton said, McConnell's presence indicated Republicans were suffering from the ongoing attorney general's investigation into the administration of Gov. Ernie Fletcher, the first GOP governor elected in more than three decades. Members of the administration have been indicted for alleged political interference in hiring decisions. Fletcher has issued pardons, saying the investigation is politically motivated.
"It's amazing to me that with all the things going on in Washington, they're down here over one representative switching parties," Pendleton said. "And they still don't have control of the House."
Republicans have had some success with Democratic lawmakers switching to their party.
Democrats lost control of the state Senate in 1999 when two senators - Dan Seum of Louisville and Bob Leeper of Paducah - became Republicans. The move resulted in Republicans taking control of the Senate, a lead that has increased since then. Leeper has since left the GOP and become an independent.
---
Associated Press writer Joe Biesk in Frankfort contributed to this report.
Kentucky Ping?
Wish we could get a few Blue Dogs in the H of R...Gene Taylor of Mississippi...
It's true that you don't have to be a Republican to be a Christian, but if you want a clear conscience when voting along with your Party, it is easier to be a Republican and stay a Christian.
AMEN to that Bluegrass. Mega Kentucky Dittoes to you! I'm a Kaintuckeen too.
Another KY ping.
Maybe I'm missing something, but what is the error?
See? The news isn't ALL bad today. :)
Ops, read it wrong. Thought (AP) was touting national party.
Ops, read it wrong. Thought (AP) was touting national party.
Me too.
KY Ping?
"Wish we could get a few Blue Dogs in the H of R...Gene Taylor of Mississippi..."
Now that one made me want to barf my lunch on the keyboard.
Now way Jose! Gene Taylor and Wayne Dowdy are made for each other.
It's not a trap. If the Democrats weren't so hard line pro-choice it wouldn't be an issue.
plus he should have said "you've got to be a Republican IF you are a Christian" not to "be" a Christian. But if you're a Christian, you best be Republican! ;)
It's not that you must be a republican to be a Christian. It's that you can't be a Christian and be a democrat.
To be a Christian means to be Christlike (Little Christs). So we have to conform our lives and politics to what Jesus would do.
The democrats are pro-abortion. The bible says thou shalt not kill (execution of the guilty is allowed but babies aren't guilty of anyting)
The democrats are pro-homosexuality. The bible calls it an abomination
The democrats are racist. The bible says to treat all men the same.
I could go on and on. To cut it short, the ideals of the democrat party are not compatible with biblical Christianity
Encouraging the waste of your lunch money was not my intention.
I've seen a few interviews with Taylor. Thought he might be a candidate. I haven't had lunch with him recently.
These people show such arrogance and still wonder why they have lost so much power so quickly in this state.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.