CA: Nathan Fletcher leaves GOP before San Diego mayoral vote

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 28 March 2012 | Elliot Spagat

[CounterCounterCulture]

California Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher said he's leaving the Republican Party to become an independent barely two months before voters in the nation's eighth-largest city decide whether to elect him mayor.

The move may enliven an already contested race that features a crowded Republican field in a city where Democrats hold a clear advantage in voter registration. Fletcher has lagged in recent polls that show a large number of undecided voters.

Fletcher, 35, has broken ranks with Republicans several times since joining the Assembly in 2009 and said he struggled with his party affiliation during his two terms in Sacramento.

"In all candor, I probably should have done it sooner," he told The Associated Press Tuesday. "I've been a member of this party for almost 20 years. We have a system that is set up and designed for two parties and it's a difficult move, but it's what I believe in my heart is right."

[CounterCounterCulture]

Fletcher... was the only Assembly Republican to back a bill to require that gay history be taught in public schools. The Iraq combat veteran gave a passionate speech on the Assembly floor last year to argue that the military should end its policy of prohibiting gays from openly serving.

Good riddance.

[Defiant]

That is a career ending move.

[bigfootbob]

Not necessarily...Arlen Specter...Ronald Reagan were party switchers.

[Defiant]

He’s not done because he switched parties, although that is what did in Snarlin’ Arlen. He’s done because he has no future as a Dem, and the Republicans will never vote for him again.

[bigfootbob]

There’s a way to switch parties, but doing it as an incumbent always makes me suspicious. It sounds like this guy will get what he deserves.

[CounterCounterCulture]

I dunno. I’ve lost faith in the electorate over the Lisa Murkowski debacle. Never underestimate the stupidity of the voters.

[Myrddin]

It was an attention getting move. The guy is a RINO. He's not polling well in the mayoral race. The San Diego city council has many openly gay members, so he has to jump on that bandwagon to try to attract votes. Frankly, Carl Demaio who is openly gay is a real conservative with a coherent plan for the city finances. Carl doesn't have to pretend to embrace the position.

[Defiant]

I am basing it on the district that he represents and the electorate in San Diego County, not Lisa Murkowski.

[Defiant]

I had suspicions of DeMaio, but had not heard it confirmed. Do you have a source?

[newzjunkey]

Fletcher also voted for AB 499 which allows 13 year olds (and older) to consent to medical procedures, including STD vaccines, without parental involvement or notification.

Having been a constituent, I've felt he needs to be driven from office for some time. He has no business being a mayor.

[newzjunkey]

I had suspicions of DeMaio, but had not heard it confirmed. Do you have a source?

A source for what? That Carl's a gay man? It's never been a secret. I followed his work at the Performance Institute think tank for years.

You asked for a source, so here's a 2007 interview: Carl DeMaio

He's absolutely the best candidate running for mayor.

[ExCTCitizen]

California Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher said he's leaving the Republican Party to become an independent

Fletcher..why not join the AMERICAN ZOMBIE PARTY (The DEMS), you are BRAIN DEAD!!

[Defiant]

Just so you know, I donated to Carl. I agree with you that he is the best candidate by far. I have no problem with him either way, I just was not aware that it was known. If so, it’s a shame, because it will impact his ability to advance to a national stage.