U.S. Rep. Mike Parker, one of the most conservative Democrats in the House, announced Friday he is joining the GOP.
"I truly believe the party that is moving this country in the right direction is the Republican party. I think it is our last best chance to do that," Parker, 46, said.Since Republicans seized control of Congress in 1994, four House Democrats have switched, leaving 234 Republicans, 198 Democrats, and one independent. There are two vacancies.
Parker's announcement had been anticipated for months. A businessman elected to Congress in 1988, he had been at odds with the Democratic leadership even before the Republican takeover last year.
In recent months, Parker was one of only four Democrats to vote for the GOP Medicare overhaul package. He also has helped Republicans develop their balanced budget plan.
Earlier this year, Parker returned more than $17,000 in campaign contributions he received over the years from the Democratic National Committee and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Johnnie Walls, chairman of the state Democratic Party, warned that other party switchers had been defeated in Mississippi.
"Mississippi voters have branded them as the turncoats that they are - people who cannot be trusted," Walls said in a statement. "Since you turned your back on the Democrats . . . we will guarantee you that the State Democratic Party will give you the race of your political life."
Parker said if Democrats want to challenge him next year, "Just tell them to come on."
Besides Parker, three other House Democrats have defected to the GOP since the 1994 elections: Nathan Deal of Georgia, Billy Tauzin of Louisiana and Greg Laughlin of Texas. In the Senate, two Democrats have switched: Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado and Richard Shelby of Alabama.
Parker's switch leaves Mississippi with two Republicans and three Democrats in the House.