Jim Esch leaves Democratic Party

[joeglow3]

KOIS (NPR) just reported he switched to Independent. I am more than a little disappointed with this.

[LiberalAndProud]

1. A possible explanation here.

http://www.kcautv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11019346&nav=1kgl

Esch did not explain on the social networking site why he made the switch. But he did tell political blog site Leavenworth Street that he hopes by making the switch, more Republicans will become involved in his venture, the Voice. The Voice is a nonpartisan group intended to support leaders, policies and projects in Omaha.

I guess it's a matter of .. if you can't beat 'em (almost but not quite) join them.

I weep for my home state.

[progressoid]

2. That's odd

From OWH:

Esch announced last week on Facebook, a social netowrking Internet site, that he has switched his party affiliation from Democrat to independent.

He followed up that announcement today by posting a famous quote from former New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia on his Facebook page: "There is no Democratic or Republican way of cleaning the streets."

Esch, who has organized a nonpartisan advocacy group, could not immediately be reached for comment.



Wonder if he thinks he'd get more support as an indie?

[shcrane71]

3. The east side of Omaha is a huge Democratic voting block

The west side of Omaha has the money, and is primarily Republican. I think Esch is pandering towards getting more support from people in town that have money. Onto a guy named White, I believe, to take on Lee Terry.