Party Switchers

It is hard to have much respect for political party switchers. I’m not speaking of those independent voters who change depending on who the candidates are and what is happening in the world. I’m talking about those politicians who run representing one party and then change to the other.

I believe strongly in the philosophy of the Democratic Party - knowing the real strength of our country lies in the average citizen. Not every democratic politician adheres to this philosophy as strongly as I would like, though they usually do their best to work toward that ideal. We do have a long and effective history in this regard.

Any group that holds power for too long begins to lose some of their initial vision and start looking inward. That is why it is important to have two strong parties. Partisans work within their party to help them stay true to their beliefs. Swing voters and third party candidates periodically balance the power of each.

Several politicians have changed their political affiliation during their lives in public service. Some give compelling stories in efforts to explain their switch, while others have made excuses with little or no merit. A few cite some menial reason that makes them look petty. These changes happen most frequently when the balance of power has changed from one party to the other. So, it appears that most are simply striving to maintain their personal power, money, and/or influence. Whatever excuse they want to give, it is thinly veiled in those circumstances.

While some respect can be given to those who wait until the end of their terms to change and then run on the other party’s ticket, I have no sympathy for those who have who were elected on one party ticket and then changed to the other while in office. In either case, they have used the resources and votes of members from one party to reach a level of notoriety and position before taking that position and giving it to the other side.

It is my contention that all public servants have the right and duty to vote in whatever way they feel will best serve their constituents, district, state, and country. They are not bound to vote on anything just because their party leaders are supporting it. However, they have an obligation to support the party on whose ticket they were elected.

Our country deserves men and women of integrity running on both sides - those who believe in the best ideals of their party and will support that in their votes and actions. Men or women who switch their loyalty to maintain a position of power obviously have not set the bar of responsibility and truth telling very high. If they cannot be truthful in this regard, how can we count on them to do what is best for our country when it may threaten their personal position.