Reply #13: MT: Montana politician changes parties

[rumpel]

Dunton Springs Evening Post

2006/12

By JENNIFER BYRD, Associated Press Writer Sat Nov 18, 11:09 AM ET

HELENA, Mont. - A Montana state senator has officially changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, breaking a tie to give his new party a 26-24 advantage.

He said he had been thinking about switching parties for about 12 years and made the decision at the suggestion of Democratic state Sen. Mike Cooney, who contacted him after the Nov. 7 election put both parties on an even footing.

Democrats have a 50-49 edge in the Montana House. One Democrat, Sheila Hogan, lost by just 24 votes and party officials said this past week that she will ask for a recount; if she were to win, the Democrats‘ lead would change to 51-48.

http://www.onelocalnews.com/duntonsprings/ViewArticle.aspx?id=30835&source=2