Via the Political Wire, it appears that another Southern Dem is preparing to jump to the GOP.
First-term Rep. Rodney Alexander, D-Quitman, is “seriously considering” leaving the Democratic Party because he says the party’s likely presidential candidate is too liberal, and that he might be able to better represent his constituents as a Republican.
Alexander said Thursday that he has talked with Republican leaders about a possible switch and wants to make up his mind quickly, perhaps this weekend.
The major argument for staying put, he said, is that some leading Democrats, including Sen. John Breaux, worked hard to help him gain his narrow upset victory in 2002 over Republican Lee Fletcher.
“I’d be letting some people down who worked very hard for me and I would hate to let anybody down,” Alexander said.
Yes, you would, Rodney.
Usually, it’s not the end of the world when a conservative Dem makes the jump, but this one would be disappointing. Louisiana will be a key state this year and having Alexander abandon the party because he doesn’t like Kerry won’t help.
Breaux and Gov. Kathleen Blanco called Alexander on Thursday and urged him not to switch. He said he promised to consider their advice, but that he will make the decision based on what he thinks is best for voters in his district.
Actually, the interests of his constituents sound like a distant second to his own political interests.
Alexander’s 5th congressional district in Northeast Louisiana is a pretty conservative area. Bush won the district easily in 2000 and Alexander won his race by fewer than 1,000 votes (less than one percent) over his Republican challenger.
I have a hunch Alexander isn’t worried about the voters’ governmental needs nearly as much as he’s worried about their partisan ideology.
Update: Alexander is reportedly going to stay a Dem. Good news.