Sources: La. Congressman to Stay Democrat

WASHINGTON - First-term Rep. Rodney Alexander of Louisiana announced Friday he intends to remain a Democrat, ending a brief flirtation with Republicans eager for him to switch parties.

"Although I am flattered by the offers of the Republicans to join their ranks, I am deciding to stay where I am," the first-term conservative lawmaker said in a statement.

Alexander has compiled a moderate voting record in his first term in office, backing President Bush's tax cuts as well as the war in Iraq.

"I campaigned for Congress on a pledge to fight for better access to affordable health care, prescription drug coverage, jobs and a better education system. And that's the fight I will continue to wage, regardless of my political party."

Alexander discussed the possibility of switching in interviews Thursday, saying he did not intend to endorse the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts. His remarks prompted two prominent Louisiana Democrats, Sen. John Breaux and Gov. Kathleen Blanco, to lobby him publicly and privately to remain in the party.

"I'd be deeply disappointed if he walked away from the people of the party that helped get him elected," Breaux said.

The congressman from northern Louisiana said Breaux and Blanco "just let me know that they were unhappy even hearing that I would talk to the other side because they're both 100 percent Democrat. I'm not 100 percent Democrat. They've all endorsed John Kerry (for president), and I'm not going to do that."

Blanco said she told Alexander to weigh the uncertainty of a Bush-Kerry presidential race.

"The tide may turn on him," the governor said, adding she suggested Alexander not make a quick decision.

Alexander, who won a close race two years ago, faces a possible fight with former Rep. John Cooksey, a Republican who held Alexander's seat before him.

Alexander said he did not have a deadline but would choose between the parties before he signs up to seek re-election this summer.

The House of Representatives is currently composed of 228 Republicans, 205 Democrats and one Democratic-leaning independent. One seat is vacant.