each case is different... but why might a person change affiliation, and how do you think that would impact his or her viability as a candidate?
2007-02-15 02:10:56 · 13 answers · asked by patzky99 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
In my county, which is a very strong Republican county, we have people run for office as a Democrat, get defeated, then come back at the next election and run for the same office as a Republican and get elected. Many will change their spots depending on poll numbers or changes in the layout of congressional districts. I would not have a problem with someone who changed parties if they realized that they were campaigning under a party platform that they didn't agree with, but I have a hard time respecting anyone who changes depending on which way the political wind is blowing at the time.
2007-02-15 02:20:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
A change in the political climate would be one reason and utter disghust with his party is another.
Sen. Jeffords of Vermont was so fed up with how the Republican Party was being managed and the fact that it had changed because of the neocons he became an independent.
Because of his stand on the current situation in Iraq Senator Lieberman of Ct. did not win the Democaratic primary. Knowing that he still had some support among Democrats and pro war Republicans ran as an Independent and won.
Theodore Roosevelt upon running for election in 1908, he had become President upon the assassination of Wm. McKinley, said he would not run for a term after that one. He considered it his 2nd term. Later when his hand picked successor William Taft was not performing as TR wanted, Roosevelt reentered the election in 1912 having formed the Progressive Party whose symbol was a bull moose. Roosevelt managed to take enough Republican votes away from Taft that Democrat Woodrow Wilson became President.
2007-02-15 02:22:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well your right that each case is different;
Joe Lieberman ran as a Democrate, but lost the primaries, so then he ran as an independent, so he changed because his party wouldn't use him.
It would be understandable if someone changed parties because their beliefs on political issues changed -- Don't know anyone who's done it yet, but it's possible.
i personally admire candidates who aren't afraid to step out of their party and make their own choices, and would take a closer look at them then if they were the standard R or D.
2007-02-15 02:19:26 · answer #3 · answered by stevedude256 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes there is a strong candidate (probably incumbent) already filling the position. If the other party doesn't have a strong candidate then by switching from the incumbent party the politician may gain support from the opposing party and draw support from the incumbent party voters as well.
It's not about beliefs, it's about getting elected.
2007-02-15 02:19:25 · answer #4 · answered by snowball45830 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The recent trend is to change parties AFTER being elected, and usually for personal prestige and power, like Jumpin' Jim Jeffords, who went to the Dems (called himself an Independent, but he caucused and voted with the Dems) for a promise of a chairmanship of a committee.
This is dishonest and base. If you're going to change parties, the only honest way is to do it prior to the primary elections. By hiding the truth, it simply means you're a liar.
2007-02-15 02:34:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Obama is purely too new to really recognize what he will do, hence the arrival of replace and it is going to likely be some replace for efficient. he will be a gentle president, no longer so experienced in politics, 1/2 black with some roots in the Muslim international. purely with all that there'll be no way replace will be prevented. to no matter if it is going to likely be solid, undesirable or detached replace isn't wide-spread until eventually after he's in the White homestead. i do compared to Hillary, yet i imagine both Obama or McCain will be authentic replace. So would Ron Paul yet curiously he does no longer have a probability. notwithstanding, we've a lengthy thanks to pass until eventually December. the subsequent few months ought to tutor us plenty
2016-11-28 04:35:54 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A persons thinking may change. For example the democrat party is nothing like it was 30 years ago.
2007-02-15 02:23:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
When they realized their party has been hi-jacked by extremists and is not the party their had joined years past.
2007-02-15 02:16:57 · answer #8 · answered by Bawney 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You answered your own question. because such people are politicians, not to be confused with 'statesman'
2007-02-15 02:17:32 · answer #9 · answered by Curt 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Either they have gotten wiser, or gotten bribed.
2007-02-15 02:17:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋