An Alabama Democrat who has opposed the health reform process from the get-go has announced that he's leaping the fence to join the GOP.
U.S. Rep. Parker Griffith, a radiation oncologist, told reporters that he can't remain with a party pushing through legislation "that is bad for our country, hurts our economy, and drives us further and further into debt." He was one of 39 Democrats who voted against the House reform bill.
In retrospect, his switch may not do much to change the voting pattern of the House, as a look at his record suggests that Griffith has voted with conservatives consistently. Democrats will continue to hold a clear majority of 257 House seats to the GOP's 178 despite Griffith's decision.
Get more background on Griffith's decision:
- read this Associated Press story
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