Another Democrat - this time from the conservative stronghold of Athens! - switches parties

• Georgia House Communications
• State Rep. Doug McKillip

The House Republicans have added yet another Democrat to their ranks — Doug McKillip of Athens, who just last month was voted the minority party's caucus chairman. McKillip's a sharp, eco-minded lawmaker from a progressive part of the state, which makes his defection even more painful for the Democrats.

Blake Aued of the Athens Banner-Herald has the story:

McKillip said he is switching to protect Athens’ interests like funding for the University of Georgia and the HOPE scholarship, and to have a seat at the table when lawmakers discuss important issues like tax reform and water.

“As an independent-minded Republican, I can accomplish a great deal for my constituents and my city,” he said. ...

Democrats have not been able to get anything done since Republicans took over in 2004, he said. For example, he said he was unable to pass a simple, noncontroversial bill last year allowing local governments to let people ride bicycles on the sidewalk. He said he is tired of watching on the sidelines and sees no point in fighting Republicans when Democrats cannot retake power in the forseeable future.

Since the Nov. 2 elections, the Republicans have welcomed a total six donkeys into their loving arms. The GOP is now six members shy of the two-thirds majority it needs to pass constitutional amendments. We've got to wonder: Just how much legislative success will these lawmakers actually find as late additions to the increasingly crowded GOP team? And what votes will they have to cast that might go against their — and their constituents' — beliefs, just to improve the chances for local bills about bicycles on sidewalks?