Alabama Democrat Parker Griffith has jumped ship, costing Nancy Pelosi a seat without a single vote being cast.

According to the Representative:

“I have always considered myself to be an independent voice and I have tried to be that voice in Congress – but after watching this agenda firsthand I now believe that the differences in the two parties could not be more clear and that for me to be true to my core beliefs and values I must align myself with the Republican party and speak out clearly on these issues. ”

Now, the Dems will tell you that this is no big deal – that Griffith’s voting record made him a de facto Republican long ago.  That said, his defection is owed almost entirely to the health care bill, and the ear full he received from his constituents last summer.

“I want to make it perfectly clear that his bill is bad for our doctors, our patients and will have unintended consequences far beyond what we know today,” Griffith said.   “As a doctor and as a Republican, I plan to once again oppose this measure and hope that we can defeat this bill that is a major threat to our nation.”

So the Democrats claim not to care about the defection.  Griffith had no intention of voting for Obamacare, so it’s nothing to get worked up about.

Privately, however, you can bet they’re worried.  The cracks are beginning to show as their party weakens.  This switch is just the first sign of a deeper problem facing the Democrats.

Will it escalate fast enough to stop health care?  It’s doubtful, but you never know.

Remember, they may not admit it, but Parker Griffith’s defection stands as evidence.  However much they try to ignore the noise, these people are still beholden to the voters.

So keep up the pressure.  2010 is going to be a wild ride.

- Robert Laurie

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