Retiring Democratic Rep. might endorse a GOP successor

OK. I an officially through with Bud Cramer. Adios. Ciao. Goodbye.

The Democratic congressman from north Alabama announced this week that he is retiring. Cramer represents a heavily Republican district and was mostly a conservative vote but at least he voted for Democratic leadership.

But now he is threatening to endorse a Republican to succeed him.

Cramer, who watched control of the House swap from Democrats to Republicans and back to Democrats, said that North Alabama, with its dependence on federal programs, requires a representative who is not overly partisan and can avoid dogmatic battles.

"It's not a job that ought to be based on party labels," said Cramer, adding that the best candidate would define the job based on tangible gains for North Alabama rather than political victories. "If that's a Republican, then that Republican needs to win the race."

You've got to wonder whether there is some behind-the scenes deal at work here.

The conspiracy theorist in me says that perhaps Cramer avoided significant Republican opposition in recent elections by cutting a deal to help deliver the seat to the GOP when he retires. I hope that's not the case, but I'm just a natural cynic.