Congressman: It's my party and I'll stay if I want to
Democrat decides not to bolt to GOP
From Ted Barrett
CNN Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Ken Lucas, a conservative Democrat from Kentucky who had been considering becoming a Republican, issued a statement late Tuesday saying he will not switch parties, despite discontent with Democratic leadership.
"This speculation should now stop: I am a Democrat," Lucas said. "I've always been a Democrat."
Pressure had been mounting on Lucas from several fronts to make the switch. GOP leaders in Washington, impressed with his conservative credentials, lobbied him. At the same time, Republicans in Kentucky threatened to pull out the stops to defeat him in 2004 if he runs again as a Democrat.
All the other members of the Kentucky congressional delegation are Republican and the state voted by a wide margin for President Bush in 2000.
Lucas, just elected to his third term in the House, in the past has said he would serve only three terms. He is now considering a run for Senate in 2004, congressional sources said.
While making clear he will stay a Democrat, Lucas added that he's unhappy with the direction of his party.
"Let there be no mistake that I have strong disagreements with some of my party's national leadership on issues important to me," he said. "I will continue to speak out actively and responsibly."
