Ralph Hall - Definition and Overview

Ralph Hall (born May 3, 1923) is a United States Representative from the Fourth Congressional District in Texas. First elected in 1980, Hall is a senior member of the Committee on Science and the Energy and Commerce Committee. He is also the longest-serving member of Texas's Congressional delegation.

In January 2004, Hall announced his intention to switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. Hall has always been very conservative, crossing party lines on many votes and even endorsing George W. Bush for President in 2000, so this move came as no surprise to many observers.

References

• Official homepage (http://www.house.gov/ralphhall/bio.htm)
• Official campaign web site (http://www.ralphhallcongressman.com/)
• CNN story on party switch (http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/01/02/elec04.h.party.switch/index.html)
• Reuters story on party switch (through Al Jazeerah) (http://aljazeerah.info/News%20archives/2004%20News%20archives/Jan/3n/Veteran%20Texas%20Democrat%20Ralph%20Hall%20Switches%20to%20Republicans.htm)