Reply #21: GOP [state] legislator switches to Dems

[The Roux Comes First]

Some great plain-speaking from republican state rep contemplating party-makeover and a campaign for Washington State senate. Always nice to be reminded that the current "Red Menace" afflicting these United States is no more monolithic and lock-stepped than the old version proved to be.

"Welcome to the camp - I guess you all know why we're here"!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002865777_tom14m.html

OLYMPIA — Two-term Republican Rep. Rodney Tom of Bellevue said Tuesday he's quitting the Republican Party to run for the state Senate as a Democrat.

Tom will challenge incumbent Sen. Luke Esser, R-Bellevue.

"I realized the far right has complete control of the party and for me to be effective for my constituents I need to be a Democrat," Tom said.

He said being a Democrat is not only a better fit for the political demographic of the Eastside's 48th Legislative District but a more comfortable fit for his ideology, which includes support for legal abortion, gay rights and higher taxes for transportation.