Boehner fundraises for ex-Dem Griffith

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Monday attended a fundraiser for the newest member of his caucus, Rep. Parker Griffith (R-Ala.)

Griffith switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party last December, citing his opposition to the Democrats' agenda in Congress.

"He was there when we all voted no on the stimulus bill. He was also there when we all voted against the trillion dollar budget deficit for as far as the eye can see. He was there to vote against the cap and trade with us," Boehner told WHNT 19 News.

The congressman, a freshman, represented one of the most conservative districts for a Democrat and switched parties at a time when many believe Republicans could make significant gains in the 2010 midterm elections.

The Republican leadership has started to use Griffith as a voice to woo Democrats and Independents to their side on healthcare reform. They tapped him to deliver the party's weekly address last weekend, in which he said he switched parties because of the Democrats' healthcare reform bill.

Still, Griffith still faces several primary challengers who could run against him from his right. 

WHNT 19 reported that approximately 300 people showed up to the event, which cost $100 per ticket.