HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A US House Democrat who opposes the health care overhaul — a doctor by profession — announced yesterday he is defecting to the GOP, another blow to Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.
Rep. Parker Griffith spoke to reporters at his home in northern Alabama, a region that relies heavily on defense and aerospace jobs.
“I believe our nation is at a crossroads, and I can no longer align myself with a party that continues to pursue legislation that is bad for our country, hurts our economy, and drives us further and further into debt,” Griffith said as his wife, Virginia, stood by his side.
The 67-year-old radiation oncologist was narrowly elected last year in a district that includes Huntsville and Decatur. Barack Obama lost badly there to Republican John McCain.
Griffith also slammed the health-care overhaul making its way through Congress.