Louisiana Democrat Switches to the GOP
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WASHINGTON — Rep. Jimmy Hayes of Louisiana on Friday became the seventh congressional Democrat to switch parties since Republicans won control of Congress a year ago.
Hayes said he switched because he no longer felt welcome in the Democratic Party. “The national Democratic Party had no tolerance for everything I love about the independence and individuality of all Louisianians: Democrats, Republicans and independents,” he said.
Hayes’ switch gives the Republicans a 235-197 majority in the House with one independent. Two seats are vacant. Hayes was first elected to the House in 1986.
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