If she was a Dem in the 1980s, but then supported Repubs later, it indicates she is not on the same philosphical plane as Reagan type Republicans and her Republicanism runs as deep as the Bushes which isn't very deep at all.
But where is the link to indicate she was once a Democrat and supported Dems?
Lots of converts feel stronger than the old "born conservative" types. If she's a convert, she might be a winner. Reagan was a convert - a former labor organizer.