Democratic Rep. Chris Carney received a phone call Wednesday from Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) asking him to consider becoming a Republican, a top GOP official told POLITICO.
A spokesman for Carney declined to say if the congressman was considering such a switch.
“No further comment at this time,” said Carney spokesman Josh Drobnyk, who would only confirm that the call took place.
In a brief interview, McCain declined to offer details about the conversation.
“I just said, ‘Whatever you do, I know that you’ll make the right decision for the country,'” said the Arizonan.
Carney defeated Republican incumbent Don Sherwood in 2006. Pennsylvania’s 10th district has a PVI of R+8.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Martin tweeted today that Walt Minnick (ID-01) and Bobby Bright (AL-02) are not switching.
UPDATE: Forgot to mention that Carney voted for the stimulus bill and the House version of health care reform, so it’s questionable whether he could survive a GOP primary in PA-10. He did vote against the climate change bill.
SECOND UPDATE: Carney says he’s not switching:
“I am flattered by the overtures of Sen. McCain and other Republican Party officials and consider their outreach a sure sign that I have worked in a truly bipartisan manner,” Carney said in a statement.
“I always put my district above political party and have maintained an independent voice. I have enjoyed widespread Republican support throughout my district and will continue to work closely with Democrats, Republicans and independents alike. I appreciate the Republican Party’s outreach, but I have no plans to change parties.”
That he thinks he can win a GOP primary having voted for HCR, the budget and the stimulus then he deserves to lose.
that we’re a bunch of Lemmings.