Maine House Republican drops party affiliation

[NWHarkness]

Source: Bangor Daily News

Rep. Jim Campbell of Newfield said Thursday he's withdrawn from the Republican Party and will become the only legislator with no party affiliation. That leaves the House with 95 Democrats, 55 Republicans and one unenrolled or independent member. The Senate also is controlled by Democrats

Campbell said his move was a long time coming. He said he's frustrated with the Republican Party in Maine and nationally for failing to address the health care crisis in a meaningful way.

Read more: http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/132985.html

[WI_DEM]

1. He should challenge Snowe or Collins.

[tomm2thumbs]

3. and sooner rather than later start the process

[babylonsister]

2. Another man with principles from New England? What's in the water

up there? Good for him! :thumbsup:

[Demeter]

4. The climate breeds clarity and honesty

When it's -10F for a daily high for weeks on end, you can't lie yourself into delusion or denial.

[No Elephants]

8. (cough) Alaska (cough) Palin (cough) Stevens (cough) and so on (cough)

[Maineman]

5. Almost nothing is in Maine water. That helps explain

a man who exibits clean and clear principles. Too bad Snowe (and Collins I presume - I am not sure) have been taking money from medical insurance companies. They are not as bad as many others, but an honest Democrat would be a whole lot better.

[jmowreader]

7. Not all New England senators are like him

Please remember that Holy Joe is a New England senator.

[No Elephants]

9. Pffft. Norwalk is practically in Manhattan. The man is....almost mid-Atlantic, ffs.

[babylonsister]

11. Hahaha!

OK, that was funny. :D

[bc3000]

6. Imagine how big this story would be if it was a democrat dropping party affiliation

I seriously doubt this story will make much news on a national level, but can you imagine how big it would be if it was a democrat stepping down because he didn't want health care reform? It would be the biggest story for days.

[No Elephants]

10. Mind you, we don't know WHY he is dropping his party affiliation. He may have Specter-like reasons.

We should not automatically assume that dropping his affiliation makes him a good guy. Maybe he still wants to vote Republican, but not run for re-election as a Republican. Republicans are so unpopular now, maybe he thinks that an (R)after his name could hurt him when he runs in 2010.

Not saying that's it. Just saying it's a possiblity.

I'm reserving judgment until I have more info.

[babylonsister]

12. Wel, he said:

He said he's frustrated with the Republican Party in Maine and nationally for failing to address the health care crisis in a meaningful way.

Any thinking person would have to question the rethug 'logic' on health care.