Artur Davis: Why I Left Congress and the Democratic Party

After leaving Congress and moving to Virginia in 2010, Davis says “so many of us have left home because of the way the economy has been mismanaged.”

For eight years -- 2003 - 2011 -- Artur Davis was a Democratic Congressman representing Alabama’s 7th district. In 2008, Davis spoke in support of then-Senator Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. 

Now, just four years later, Davis has left Alabama, left Congress and left the Democratic Party.  “I don’t think Harry F. Byrd, or even Jack Kennedy, would recognize the Democratic Party today,” said Davis in his address to the Greenspring Republican Club on Friday, July 6.

Davis shared his disappointment with what he called “the mismanagement of our economy” by the current administration.  He pointed to the latest jobs report from Friday, July 6, which indicated that only 80,000 jobs were added to the economy in the month of June, and that the unemployment rate stayed at 8.2 percent.  “This is the 41st consecutive month that the unemployment rate has been above 8 percent,” stated Davis.  “That is the longest stretch since the Great Depression.”

Davis went on to say that every budget President Obama has submitted has called for a trillion dollar deficit.  “We should be maximizing what has been given to us by previous generations,” said Davis.  “Instead we are forfeiting one generation’s gift to the next.”

Davis also spoke about the decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the 2010 Affordable Care Act, saying that it will raise taxes, cut Medicare, add to the deficit and create more red tape. 

The former Democrat also expressed his support for Mitt Romney and the Republican candidate for Virginia Senate, George Allen, in the upcoming election. “Republicans can take the country back, and take Virginia back,” said Davis.  He stated that Romney wants to balance the federal budget, and he believes that the success of the economy is dependent on the success of the private sector.  “Romney governed Massachusetts for four years with the legislature opposing his initiatives,” said Davis.    

“I refuse to believe our best days are behind us,” said Davis, citing the importance of the November Presidential election.  “Yes, I used to be a Democrat,” he said.  “It’s a good thing to have been.”

About Greenspring:  Greenspring, one of 16 Erickson Living full-service retirement communities, is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia.  The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of which reside in the 1405 independent living apartment-style homes.  At Greenspring, over 200 resident-driven clubs and programs promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.