May 19, 2013
Representative Will Kendrick....
a long time democrat...now turns Republican.
The news comes as a shock just as the house reorganizes its seats.
Representative Marsha "Marty" Bowen, (R) House Majority Leader "It was very much a surprise, a very pleasant surprise."
Republicans are the House Majority, and Kendrick is using his last term in office to join the powerful party, hoping it will be the best move for his constituents.
Kendrick admits he doesn't always see eye to eye with either party.
Representative Will Kendrick, (R) North Florida
"It's been tough to be a conservative. Sometimes you wonder where you do really belong, but I think in the end that the people look at the job I do regardless of the party I'm with. I think that's the main thing people like to see. They've got somebody in Tallahassee who fights for them."
Still Democrats question the timing of the switch.
Rep. Loranne Ausley, (D) Tallahassee
"Will's a friend and we'll always work together, but I'm a little disappointed. I think he was elected as a Democrat unopposed and now to switch parties at this point is I don't quite understand."
Although Democrats gained a few seats in the House, they are still the minority party.
Kendrick says it won't matter whether there's an "R" or a "D" next to his name...he'll always vote with his conscience.
Kendrick says he's considering a run for Franklin County School superintendent after his term in the State House is over.
