Parker Griffith in The Los Angeles Times

On Principles & Values: Changed party from Democrat to Republican

Griffith said he had become increasingly uncomfortable with the liberal policies of his party and president, especially the overwhelming spending. Griffith said, " 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,"

In one sense Griffith's immediate defection is no big deal. It's only one seat more for the distinct minority. But on another level such a local decision could have wider significance. Does it indicate more simmering political trouble to come among so-called Blue Dog Democrats, four score moderates and conservatives whose constituents are nowhere near as liberal as the crowd currently running most everything in Washington