Athens paper reports that Rep Channell may jump to Republican

This morning the Athens Banner-Herald is reporting that at least three legislators are already considering switching parties.

It is unusual for elected officials to openly contemplate changing parties before making up their minds. But that is exactly what state Reps. Mickey Channell of Greensboro, Larry "Butch" Parrish of Swainsboro and Richard Royal of Camilla are doing.

These things become important to us if it involved a legislator who serves on a committee that oversee our budget item - such as Rep Channell, Greensboro-D. Channell serves in the House subcommittee of Appropriations that reviews both the ICWP and MRWP funding.

Legislators switching is also an important issues when it affects the number of legislators that make up the majority...

If any of the three were to change parties, it would bolster Republicans' 100-79 margin in the chamber. There is one independent, state Rep. Ron Dodson of Lake City.

The reason for Rep Channell considering switching?

"What has kind of happened over the years is that, more and more, how I have voted all along ... winds up being on the Republican side of the ledger," said Channell, who considers himself fiscally conservative and socially moderate.

Do you remember anyone that has switched in the past few year?