Last-minute switch

last updated 8 January 2015

New Orleans

Rep. Rodney Alexander switched parties this week, from Democrat to Republican, complicating Democratic efforts to regain control of the House of Representatives. Republicans now have 229 House members; Democrats have 205, and need to pick up 12 seats to reclaim the majority. Alexander had denied rumors of his intentions, insisting until early last week that he would remain a Democrat. Then, he said, “I just decided it would be best for me to switch.” Alexander announced his move hours before the deadline to qualify for the Nov. 2 ballot, making it impossible for a new Democratic candidate to challenge him. Democrats called Alexander a “turncoat” and a “coward,” and said Republicans were welcome to him.