Sophomore Rep. Paul Tine will leave the Democratic Party next Monday and hopes to work as part of the Republican majority during the upcoming legislative session, potentially expanding the GOP’s control in the chamber and dealing a blow to Democrats hoping to use the coming session as a springboard to electoral success in 2016.
Tine, a moderate who at times voted with RepublicView Postans during the past legislative session, plans to register as unaffiliated rather making the jump all the way to the GOP. But as a practical matter, he will likely function as a Republican, participating in the party’s closed-door strategy and policy debates.
“I’ve been hired to do the best I can for the district and the state,” Tine said during an interview with WRAL News. “Can I do that best by working with the majority or working with the minority who doesn’t always hold the same views as my district does? I feel that I can do a better job for the district by working with the Republicans.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If Mr. Tine is truthful, it is refreshing to hear a politician who understands that he was elected to represent his constituents.
David DeGerolamo
Leftist and communist started taking over the Democrat party in the 60s, now they own it.
A tiger does not change its stripes. Now they want to own the GOP too.