June 02, 2010

Rep. Parker Griffith fourth incumbent felled by political tide


By Jay Reeves, AP

Here's one lesson from the latest round of primary elections: Switching parties doesn't necessarily work. Just ask Rep. Parker Griffith, the Alabama Democrat turned Republican, who on Tuesday became the fourth incumbent felled by this year's elections.

Griffith was first elected to Alabama's northernmost House district in 2008, riding a Democratic surge that helped dozens of centrist Democrats claim conservative-leaning districts. An analysis by Congressional Quarterly found that in his first seven months, Griffith broke ranks with Democrats on 22% of his votes.

In December 2009, he announced he would run as a Republican.

The defeat -- unofficial results show Griffith captured 33% of the vote -- comes on the heels of Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. Arlen Specter's loss a year after he switched parties. Griffith also follows Republican Sen. Bob Bennett in Utah and Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.V., as incumbents whose loss is being blamed partly on the nation's anti-Washington mood.

Griffith lost to Mo Brooks, a county commissioner who had support from the Tea Party movement as well as local GOP leaders. The non-partisan Cook Political Report ranks the seat "likely Republican" for the fall election.

(Posted by John Fritze)