Posted on 03/28/2012 10:19:49 AM PDT by CounterCounterCulture
California Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher said he's leaving the Republican Party to become an independent barely two months before voters in the nation's eighth-largest city decide whether to elect him mayor.
The move may enliven an already contested race that features a crowded Republican field in a city where Democrats hold a clear advantage in voter registration. Fletcher has lagged in recent polls that show a large number of undecided voters.
Fletcher, 35, has broken ranks with Republicans several times since joining the Assembly in 2009 and said he struggled with his party affiliation during his two terms in Sacramento.
"In all candor, I probably should have done it sooner," he told The Associated Press Tuesday. "I've been a member of this party for almost 20 years. We have a system that is set up and designed for two parties and it's a difficult move, but it's what I believe in my heart is right."
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Good riddance.
That is a career ending move.
Not necessarily...Arlen Specter...Ronald Reagan were party switchers.
He’s not done because he switched parties, although that is what did in Snarlin’ Arlen. He’s done because he has no future as a Dem, and the Republicans will never vote for him again.
There’s a way to switch parties, but doing it as an incumbent always makes me suspicious. It sounds like this guy will get what he deserves.
I dunno. I’ve lost faith in the electorate over the Lisa Murkowski debacle. Never underestimate the stupidity of the voters.
I am basing it on the district that he represents and the electorate in San Diego County, not Lisa Murkowski.
I had suspicions of DeMaio, but had not heard it confirmed. Do you have a source?
Having been a constituent, I've felt he needs to be driven from office for some time. He has no business being a mayor.
A source for what? That Carl's a gay man? It's never been a secret. I followed his work at the Performance Institute think tank for years.
You asked for a source, so here's a 2007 interview: Carl DeMaio
He's absolutely the best candidate running for mayor.
Fletcher..why not join the AMERICAN ZOMBIE PARTY (The DEMS), you are BRAIN DEAD!!
Just so you know, I donated to Carl. I agree with you that he is the best candidate by far. I have no problem with him either way, I just was not aware that it was known. If so, it’s a shame, because it will impact his ability to advance to a national stage.
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