Turn out the light's the Dem Party's over.....
Democrat Rep. Hall to become a Republican
By Peter Roff
UPI Senior Political Analyst
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Rep. Ralph Hall, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 1980 as a conservative Democrat, joined the GOP Friday.
A spokesman for the congressman told United Press International that Hall had filed for re-election as a Republican, becoming the first party switcher of the New Year.
Republicans greeted the news of the switch enthusiastically. Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-N.Y., chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee said his GOP colleagues would, "welcome Ralph Hall with open arms" into the party's ranks.
"Ralph has never been afraid to vote his conscience and with the best interests of his constituents at heart," Reynolds said.
Hall had long been the focus of efforts to get him to cross the aisle. For years, he refused, saying that he had started life as a Democrat and wanted to work to move his party back towards the center.
Some analysts suggest Hall's decision to change parties may be a signal that centrist and conservative Democrats may no longer be welcome in the House Democratic Caucus, which is now under the leadership of the ultra-liberal Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
With the switch, the House now has 228 Republicans, 205 Democrats, 1 independent and 1 vacancy.
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