Phil Gramm in Herding Cats, by Trent Lott

On Principles & Values: Switched party after backlash from Gramm-Latta bill

A professor with a doctorate in economics, Phil Gramm had real authority on the subject; he staked his reputation on the vote, and he lobbied his fellow Democrats endlessly to join him, particularly those from the South.

The voting was tough and close. Gramm, known as "the prophet of free enterprise," was martyred by vengeful Democrats over this vote. They moved to strip him of his committee assignments, and promised to campaign against him in Texas.

Laer he came to my office. "Trent, I'm going to switch parties," he said. "I'm going to fly to Texas, announce that I'm resigning from office, and running for reelection as a Republican." Gramm resigned his seat on Jan. 5, 1983. In a special election less than 6 weeks later, he was reelected as a Republican.