Decker ponders return to GOP?

Raleigh Noise & Disturber ^ | 8/23/2003 | Dan Kane

[Prospero]

The man whose shifting loyalties redefined the state House of Representatives this year may be at it again.

Rep. Mike Decker's switch to the Democratic Party in January deadlocked the House and resulted in a historic co-speaker-led coalition. But in recent days, he has been talking to people about rejoining the GOP.

Decker would only confirm that he's thinking about switching back.

"I've talked with people about it," he said Friday. "It's always something that I was thinking about doing, but I'm not going to try to make my Democratic friends angry at me. I've been so well-received by my friends over there, and it's been a lot better for the legislature."

Decker, who lives in Walkertown in Forsyth County, would not identify whom he's talked to about a possible switch. Nor would he say when he plans to make a decision.

As for his reasons, he said he became a Democrat to keep Rep. Leo Daughtry, a Smithfield Republican who had been the party caucus' choice, from being speaker.

To that end, he succeeded. His vote helped Democrat incumbent Jim Black and Republican Richard Morgan become co-speakers.

Legislators say that under the House rules a shift to a 61-59 Republican majority would not lead to another speaker vote or a change in committee assignments for the rest of the session.

But it could make the difference for Decker's political career.

Until this year, Decker had served nine terms as a Republican in a heavily Republican district.

The question for Decker is, will Republicans accept him back?

"I don't see where he can round up any support from the local party for the things he did," said Forsyth County Republican Party chairman William B. Miller Sr. "It's almost treason what he did."

Decker already has a challenger for his district, Walkertown Mayor Tom Southern, a Republican who lost to Decker in the 2002 primary.

Morgan declined to comment on Decker's remarks, saying he doesn't talk about "what ifs."

But other Republicans took a dim view of Decker's possible switch.

"It's a sad situation," said Rep. Robert Grady, a Jacksonville Republican. "You need to make these decisions beyond the politics of today. I hope that the members of office would truly stand for something and have some principles. And I would think that Mike would have some explaining to do to any constituency, whether it's Democrat or Republican."

Black couldn't be reached for comment Friday.

After Decker switched parties and helped Black win re-election, Black gave Decker's son, Michael Jr., a position as legislative aide. Decker's recent campaign finance reports also indicate that Black has helped him raise money.

[Prospero]

Strange. Is our big tent too big?

[dei23]

I don’t really care what he does…his political days are numbered. If does come back he will be shunned and ridiculed in caucus...we can then filet him in the primary. Decker has no idea what it is to be a Republican and no self respecting Conservative would have considered much less take the action he took.

Can you say irrelevant?

[goldstategop]

Who cares? Neither party trusts him. He's in this for his own ego.

[fieldmarshaldj]

NC apostate-creep *ping*

Ugh. What a slimy, unprincipled, little rhymes with buck. Doesn't this remind y'all of another insignificant little man who dropped a turd in the GOP punchbowl from up in New England ? Now what was that little creep's name ? Judas Jim ? Deceitful Decker can go take a long walk off a short pier before the party takes him back.

[trebb]

but I'm not going to try to make my Democratic friends angry at me. I've been so well-received by my friends over there

Sounds like this guy is rady to come out of the closet - let the Dims have him as he crashes and burns...

[Theodore R.]

It's a sad situation," said Rep. Robert Grady, a Jacksonville Republican

I am afraid my fellow Republican Robert Grady is wrong. This is not "sad." What is more than "sad" is the plight of Terry Schindler Schiavo in FL! People don't know what is "sad" any more. They think a lying politician trying to go to one party or another is "sad," when this woman's life hangs in the balance.

[Constitution Day]

PING!

[Rubber Duck]

Doesn't this remind y'all of another insignificant little man who dropped a turd in the GOP punchbowl from up in New England ?

Q: How do you crash a Democrat Party?

A: Flush the punchbowl.

[Arkinsaw]

Sounds like someone who thinks they can jump to the Democrats to put them in power, and then jump back to the Republicans to win reelection. Not much of a thinker is he?

[TheBattman]

Anyone as wishy-washy as this character, the GOP can live without.

[concerned about politics]

The question for Decker is, will Republicans accept him back?

Hmmmm. A prodical son.
He's worn both shoes. One cuts off his circulation and soul, the other a lifeline , and wishes to return to it.
My guess is that this guy has learned the hard way, and is ready to repent from the party of sin and degragation, and save his immortal soul. "Come out of her my people, so you do not recieve of her plagues." LOL.

This is fun.

[Constitution Day]

NC ping!
Please FRmail me if you want to be added to or removed from this North Carolina ping list.

[Tacis]

Sounds like a dem weasel putting himself up for bid. What, the Republicans have better looking interns?

Or, does he just see what is coming in the 2004 election? With Bush running against a Gore/Dean ticket, and a Nader/McKinney ticket, the wars going VERY well, and the economy booming, even cleaning Republican toilets might be a better alternative. (Bad choice of example: Republican toilets are ALWAYS a step up from the dem SEWER.)

[jern]

Over my cold dead body. Decker is going to get what he deserves.

[Overtaxed]

Decker can just kiss my BFA!

[Constitution Day]

BUMP!

Say, when is the last time someone was tarred and feathered here in NC? ;^)

[A2J]

Persona non grata.

[fabriclady]

You are so right.
I don't want him back, I want him on the outside looking in.
My opinion, he is a user and a dealer, just what we don't need.
The demoncrats can have him. When they're through with him, they will flush him out.

[Chad Fairbanks]

And when he loses reelection, and his son's services are no longer needed by Speaker Black, well, then he'll learn ;0)

[.cnI redruM]

2 logical courses of action.

1) Accept him to get power and then field a well-funded and thoroughly endorsed opponent in the next GOP primary.

or

2) Just tell him what Richard II told Wat Tyler. "Villains ye were, villains ye remain!!"