It's the latest example of Politico's factually-challenged editors concocted eye-catching headlines that have nothing to do with actual articles:

Alabama slammer switch stuns Dems

Did the announcement from conservative Alabama Congressman Parker Griffith that he was switching to the GOP “stun” Democrats? Not according to the Politico article it didn't. The piece doesn't quote a single person, either on or off the record, expressing shock at the move by Griffith, who has regularly voted against the Obama White House this year.

Politico can't find any Dems to say they're stunned by the Griffith move, but of course that doesn't stop Politico from announcing that, y'know, Dems are stunned by the Griffith move.

In fact, check out these Politico passages which completely undercut the headline [emphasis added]:

“I don't think one party switch means much of anything, quite frankly,” said [former Dem Rep., Martin] Frost. “I'm sure the DCCC would rather no one switch, but one switch is not a big deal.”

And:

“For people who have been working with his office and watching him, it wasn't a big surprise,” remarked one senior Democratic leadership aide. “You connect the dots and it's not a big surprise.”

Question: Do Politico headline writers even read the articles first?

UPDATED: The Politico headline has been changed:

Alabama slammer: Dems fret