Reply #13: GOP lawmaker switches to Democrats, challenges senator

[Judi Lynn]

Tuesday, March 14, 2006 · Last updated 6:45 p.m. PT
GOP lawmaker switches to Democrats, challenges senator

By DAVID AMMONS
AP POLITICAL WRITER

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Republican state Rep. Rodney Tom switched parties Tuesday and will challenge state Senate Republican Floor Leader Luke Esser this fall.

An irritated state Republican Chairwoman Diane Tebelius demanded that Tom resign his House seat, but Tom said he intended to serve the balance of his term as a Democrat.

Democrats, including Gov. Chris Gregoire, welcomed the convert. Gregoire personally called him to chat. The Democratic Party said Tom's switch reflects a growing disenchantment of suburban moderates with hardline Republicans.

Esser and the Republicans said the Medina lawmaker's decision came out of the blue. The GOP is a "big tent" party and moderates were always welcome, they said. Some suggested that political ambition was the root cause.
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http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_WA_Party_Change.html