One that comes to mind is Norm Coleman who changed from Democrat to Republican. They certainly have the right to change their party. I know people can have a change of ideology and perspective. However, I don't feel that I would trust anyone that changes in such a seemingly fundamental way, when it comes to Democrat and Republican. Your thoughts?
Depends. Some people are split down the middle, 1/2 dem and 1/2 repub. In this case they are not changing anything other than party affiliation if they stick to their normal ideals.
when a politician feels it is better to spend federal money on education and healthcare, they change to democrat. when they feel it's better to spend on invading other countries, they switch to republican. pretty simple i guess
It is more important to listen closely to these people. Some really have a change and some change for an advantage. They can change but if their words are the same, they are just doing it for political reasons. I changed after being one party for several years but it was because, in my opinion, my party lost its focus. I guess I changed too but the other party moved closer to my ideology. It does happen but I am always weary of it when it is done prior to a big election.
Good point! A Reagan Republican is very different from one of today, apparently. *I still don't trust Coleman though.