NCGOP Chairman and Republican Legislators Call on Former Republican Decker to Resign

NCGOP ^ | Jan. 27, 2003 | NCGOP

[jern]

NCGOP Chairman and Republican Legislators Call on Former Republican Decker to Resign

NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN PARTY 1506 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, North Carolina 27605 Tele. (919) 828-6423 • Fax (919) 899-3815 • www.NCGOP.org ........................................................................................................

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 27, 2003

NCGOP Chairman and Republican Legislators Call on Former Republican Decker to Resign

(WALKERTOWN, N.C.) - North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Bill Cobey was joined by a crowd of Republican activists and at least 7 Republican N.C. House members at a press conference this morning to call for Rep. Mike Decker's immediate resignation. Decker, who has served 18 years in the N.C. House as a conservative Republican, announced last week that he had switched parties and will back Democrat Jim Black to remain speaker.

"By his action on Friday, Mr. Decker has betrayed any trust that he has with the majority of his constituents who voted for him, and with the majority of North Carolinians across this state. Therefore, today I call on Mike Decker to immediately resign his seat so that a Republican can be named to replace him," said Cobey to the crowd in Walkertown, the home of former Republican Decker.

"Mike Decker's party switch and intention to vote for a Democrat Speaker reflect some of the most, if not the most, disappointing behavior of a public servant that I have observed in my many years in the public arena," said Cobey.

"Mr. Decker held himself out as a Republican to the voters in his district and they sent him to Raleigh to serve as a Republican. Had Mr. Decker wanted to serve in the Legislature as a Democrat, he should have switched parties before the 2002 Democrat Primary and competed in that Primary in order to be a candidate in the general election," said Cobey.

Speaking to about three dozen activists gathered at the Walkertown Town Hall, Cobey said he will pursue criminal prosecution of Decker if he received "any gift, favor or promise of a future job" in return for his vote. "I'm not saying I know anything. It's just that it smells to me, and I'm going to be watching."

Joining Cobey were former Republican State House member Theresa Esposito (R-Forsyth) and current members Rep. John Blust (R-Guilford), Rep. Philip Frye (R-Mitchell), Rep. Bill McGee (R-Forsyth), Rep. Frank Mitchell (R-Iredell), Rep. Karen Ray (R-Iredell), Rep. John Rhodes (R-Mecklenburg), and Rep. Wayne Sexton (R-Rockingham).

-NCGOP-

For the full text of Chairman Cobey's statement, click here or visit www.ncgop.org

[PetroniDE]

What are the requirements and procedures regarding a "RECALL". Decker won't do the right thing. He needs to be forced out.

[JohnnyZ]

There's no recall procedure in North Carolina.

[OPS4]

Then a new procedure will have to be brought in as an amendment, and if so it should be brought before the
state legislature, and if neccessary the state supreme court.

when one hold them selves out to be a Republican to get the vote then one should reflect the voters wishes, if not that person has committed a fraud.

In Florida a person who does not claim a party affilliation cannot vote in the primaries for anyone but an independent.

This is a travesty to the citizens who backed this Traitor!

Ops4 God Bless America!

[Illbay]

Someone explain to me why it is okay for a Dem -> Pubbie to switch a la Richard Shelby, but NOT okay for a Pubbie -> Dem.

With that sort of blind ILlogic, it's no wonder most people see it all as politics as usual.

[ScholarWarrior]

I am surprised by the actions of Commodore Decker. Mr. Spock, relieve him of command!

[Dan from Michigan]

Decker....send the A Team...

[Theodore R.]

Was Decker originally a Democrat? He may have switched parties to make his election easier in a particular district. He could be the "Jeffords of NC."

[Diddle E. Squat]

Correct. Somehow I missed the Georgia GOP requesting that the Dems that crossed the aisle to the GOP resign and run again.

The NC GOP leadership is not looking too great right now.

[Illbay]

There's a principle involved here. Frankly, I don't give a **** if a politician changes parties; that's for the voters of his constituency to decide, within the framework of prevailing laws.

Calling someone "evil" because he did exactly what we rejoice to see a Democrat do, is childish.

[gaspar]

When Shelby switched parties in 94 he was already two years into his term. The switch itself did not have the meaning that Jeffords move had because the Republicans were already in control of the Senate.

[jern]

I don't have problems switches sides. I have a MAJOR problem when they do it directly after an election. If you want to switch sides, do it during the election year so your voters can have a say.

[LasVegasMac]

It should not be allowed at any level - direct assult on the will of the people.

The rule should be, if you want to switch parties, resignation is mandatory. Your seat is then filled by a member of the same party. The next election you campaign under your new flag and see how it goes.

You make a good point in, "no wonder people see it all as politics as usual."

LVM

[Illbay]

How is it an "assault on the will of the people?"

The Constitution--including the various state constitutions--does not recognize political parties. There is no constitutional rule that deals directly with the concept of parties; they are constructs that we have lived with so long, they've become "important" to a far greater degree than they deserve.

My point is that what a politician does and says is important; party affiliation is secondary.

Would I work to defeat this guy if I were in NC? Of course.

But I would work just as hard to DEFEND a Democrat that "Saw the light" and turned "conservative."

Ergo, there is no "principle" involved here, and all this posturing is just crocodile tears.

[Illbay]

There is no constitutional basis for "political parties."

This is a bogus issue.

[TLBSHOW]

Keep an eye on republicans when they act like Democrats. What is it with North Carolina?

[dogbyte12]

Let's not forget Ben Nighthorse Campbell switched at the same time. Got comfy position on committee as a result.

People are way too partisan. We need to decide if switching parties is bad or not. I seem to recall all the crowing here by folks over every dem who switched after the election to the GOP.

[Illbay]

"Switching parties" is irrelevant. Since there are no "Rules" about parties--and the Constitution is silent on the issue--I think we need to stick to our knitting.

I suggest that we convince some REPUBLICANS to switch--to CONSERVATISM, that is!

[Constitution Day]

Was Decker originally a Democrat? He may have switched parties to make his election easier in a particular district. He could be the "Jeffords of NC."

I don't know if he was 'originally' one, but I think he was considered one of the more conservative Republicans in the state house.
Maybe some other Freepers can shed light.
Decker is from an area halfway across the state from me, and I honestly don't know all that much about him.