GOP searches for turncoats

Republican operatives have asked three county Democrats to switch parties as they try to shift the balance of power in Annapolis next year, including offering $150,000 in campaign funding to Councilman Pamela G. Beidle to take on a fellow Democrat in a state Senate race.

Sens. John C. Astle, D-Annapolis, and Ed DeGrange Sr., D-Glen Burnie, and Ms. Beidle, D-Linthicum, all confirmed that Republicans have approached them in the past month.

But all three said they're staying right where they are.

"I have a Democratic philosophy," said Ms. Beidle, who was a registered Republican before she ran for office in 1997. "To me, that would be lying to the citizens. I think you have to be registered based on your ideologies. I'm a moderate, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm a Democrat."

A Republican Party official said the party is always looking for conservatives, but doesn't need to offer anyone money to add to its ranks.

A source familiar with the conversation Ms. Beidle had last month with a Republican Party operative said she was offered $150,000 in campaign contributions to take on Mr. DeGrange in 2006.

SNIP

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2005/06_10-16/GOV

Trying to buy what they can't win fairly. Typical Rethugs.

Gee....big surprise. GOP using media to create division for the Dems. Who wouldda thunk it?

and identify those who stray from orthodoxy. The right always does this and it always destroys them, usually taking a lot of other people down with them.