They say trends start in California.
• California: Gather round, children, and listen to the story of Nathan Fletcher, told in blockquote format. We begin in February 2012:
The Republican most frequently mentioned as a future contender for statewide office, meanwhile, delivered his stump speech to about 12 people in a living room across town.The candidate, Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, is immersed in San Diego's mayoral race. Fletcher is far from certain to win—his prospects appear to be improving, though he still is trailing in local polls. But comparisons to Pete Wilson, the former assemblyman who went on to become San Diego mayor, a U.S. senator and then governor, are encouraging to many Republicans.
Ah, to be a rising star in a hard-luck party in the nation's biggest state. There could be worse things, though—like remaining a member of that hard-luck party. Just one month later, in March 2012:
California State Assemblyman and San Diego mayoral candidate Nathan Fletcher, seen as one of the California Republican Party's most promising future possibilities for statewide office, announced today he's abandoning the GOP and "partisan politics" to become an independent. And now the circle is complete. May 2013:
Fletcher posted a lengthy announcement to his Facebook page and in an email sent to supporters Saturday morning explaining his decision."I was reluctant to make this move. It wasn't due to any doubt about where I belong. It was simple dread over the criticism I would face," he said. "Despite my change in partisan affiliation, I have no animosity towards the Republican Party. I know many good people there, including friends, co-workers, and many I hold in high regard. I just owe it to them and myself to admit that I don't belong anymore."
Fletcher is presently out of politics, working for Qualcomm in some kind of executive gig, but he also does some television commentary for a local TV station. And he's only 36 years old, which leaves plenty of time for a comeback. Just over a year ago, Nathan Fletcher was the lone bright spot for the state GOP. But if he ever does decide to throw his hat back in the proverbial ring, it'll be, of course, as a Democrat. |
