Political party/affiliation switching - is it ever anything but self-serving?

[3catwoman3]

When senators or congressional representatives switch parties, do they ever do so because that is what their constituents want? It doesn't seem so.

Some switches may truly be the result of a genuine change of heart of the office holder, which could be commendable, but even so, it's a huge middle finger to those who voted for the defector - on either side of the aisle. They chose you based on how you presented yourself at the time, so how is this anything but betrayal of said constituents with a capital B?

Sinema has pretty much been a disappointment to her voters since she was sworn in.

[CrispyQ]

1. IMO, if a congress person wants to switch parties, they should have to resign,

& the seat would then be filled by whatever process the state has for resigning/dying reps.

What a giant "Fuck you!" to the people who voted for her.

[Raven123]

3. I completely agree

[karynnj]

2. It can be

Jeffords was very upset by the Bush administration for their tax cuts for the wealthy and lower funding of things like special Ed. He became an independent and caucused with us giving us the majority.

[3catwoman3]

5. He is certainly an example of a genuine change of heart, but how...

...did his voters feel about it?

[karynnj]

7. Vermont still liked him

Compared to other states I have lived in party is less important. He did not run again, his seat was won by Sanders in 2006. Sanders was an independent as congressman.

We do not register by party and can select any one primary to vote in each election.

[2naSalit]

4. I wonder if...

The Arizona Democrats can sue her or something. She certainly does not have her constituents' interests at heart and, therefore, is unfit to serve. Well, that's two things but misrepresentation is the issue here.

[jimfields33]

6. I guarantee they will not do that.

Right now she’s still with us as far as voting and majority. If we as a party, go to far, she’ll make the Senate 50-50, and then we have to share committee numbers.