Party-switching for the 2004 Election
Alexander had been elected in 2002 as a Democrat, with the strong support of the state's two Democratic senators, Mary Landrieu and John Breaux, narrowly defeating Republican challenger Lee Fletcher. However, he'd seriously considered switching parties soon after John Kerry won the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, but initially decided against it. Breaux reportedly told Alexander that he would find and raise money for a Democrat to run against him if he switched.
However, two days after filing for reelection as a Democrat, Alexander filed for reelection again as a Republican with only minutes to go before the filing deadline. The Republicans promised him a seat on the Appropriations Committee if he switched. The last-minute switch denied the Democrats time to find a credible replacement candidate, though Alexander had been heavily favored for a second term in any case.
That was an interesting race. And oh so dirty. THe problem was the general was so dirty between Fletcher and the other Republican that about 20,000 in that District that voted for the Republican Senatorial person failed to vote in the general. Rodney won by like a 1000 votes.
ALexander I think was shocked when he got to DC lol. Nancy Pelosi was leaning on him on some votes he just couldnt do and he got threaten by her. He basically said stuff it and switched lol
That defection because of Pelosi's heavy handed tactics never made the National news