Senator Giannetti Switches to Republican

[nickshepDEM]

Giannetti, defeated in the Democratic primary, wants to run for GOP in Nov.

A maverick Anne Arundel County state senator who was defeated in the Democratic primary after breaking ranks with party leaders on several high-profile issues has switched political parties, apparently with an eye on seeking re-election as a Republican in November.

Sen. John A. Giannetti Jr., 42, a lawyer elected in 2002 as a Democrat, said Tuesday night that he has become a Republican and had the paperwork to prove it. He was carrying it with him at a Republican fundraising dinner in Baltimore.

"I give the Republican Party all the credit," he said. "They are very tenacious. They made several different offers to me and I turned them down. Finally, they convinced me they would welcome me with open arms."

Word of the freshman senator's party-switching coincided with the decision of the Republican primary winner, John Stafford, to bow out in District 21 -- a Democratic-leaning enclave that includes northern Prince George's and western Anne Arundel counties.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/elections/bal-giannetti0926,0,4081753.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

[philmo]

1. Great news!

Now I can see him lose twice in the same election cycle.

[sbj405]

2. "It's about public service"

From his website. Apparently, he didn't get the message that the public doesn't want him to serve!

And this gem "this change requires absolutely no deviation from my values and no changes in my beliefs"

"A Message From Senator Giannetti:

"By now you have likely heard that I have switched my party registration to the Republican Party. There will undoubtedly be those who will question the reasons for or wisdom of this change; let me be up front--it's all about public service, and my hope, as a dedicated public official with a record of getting things done, to be able to continue to serve my constituents and complete the tasks I have started. My switch of parties gives me that opportunity. In the next few days, if all events fall in line, I will be able to appear on the November 7th ballot and thus allow all of my constituents--Democrats, Republicans, and Independents--to voice their collective opinion on my record of service over the past four years.

"I have nothing bad to say about the Democratic party. It has been my political party for 24 years, and the party is filled with excellent, dedicated elected officials who work hard for their constituents and get things done for the state of Maryland."

more at http://www.johngiannetti.com/

[AnnieBW]

3. Gianetti Goes To the Dark Side

Our dear DINO has finally gone over to the Dark Side of the Force. Not surprising. He was against stem cell research, a woman's right to choose, and for guns. I find it VERY INTERESTING that he just HAPPENED to make this decision the night that a Washington Post article stated that he'd received campaign funds from the developer of the Konterra business park, who wants a whole lot more than just a business park. I guess Senator Kegger wanted to feed a little more at the Konterra trough.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/25/AR2006092501457.html

Highway Backer a Steady Ehrlich Donor
Proposed Route Crucial to Success of Developer's 'Mini-City' Project

(buried near end of article)

State Sen. John A. Giannetti Jr. (D-Prince George's), whose legislative district includes Konterra, said he began aggressively pushing the Metro extension after meeting with Caleb Gould.

"He told me someone approached him and asked if he would be interested in a station there," recalled Giannetti, who has received $3,000 in contributions from the family. "I thought, 'Wow, we had never thought about that.' "

BTW, those railroad tracks run right past my backyard. :mad: