with those of their current party. Richard Shelby of Alabama left the Democratic Party for the Republican Party, arguing that the former party had shifted more towards liberalism. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado switched parties from Democratic to Republican following increased hostility within the Democratic Party in Colorado over Campbell's increased conservative voting record and independent streak while the local party became more liberal. A disaffected incumbent who might not hold a leadership position or feels ignored or mistreated by the majority party might join the minority party with the expectation of holding a leadership position in the minority party and if currently elected, having the complete support of the minority party for re-election, who would certainly want to have more elected officials in their ranks. The party the person left is likely to consider him or her to be a Benedict Arnold. Some politicians have also switched parties to improve their chances for reelection. Arlen Specter, a former US Senator of Pennsylvania, cited his uncertainty of winning a Republican primary as one reason for his move to the Democratic Party. See also List of American politicians who switched parties in office List of United States senators who switched parties List of United States representatives who switched parties List of party switchers in the United States Southern strategy Crossover voting Republican In Name Only, Democrat In Name Only Red state-blue state divide U.S. states, with map Crossing the floor for the same concept in the Westminster system Democrats for Nixon Reagan Democrat McCain Democrat Obama Republican People United Means Action References External links Senators Who Changed Parties During Senate Service (Since 1890) A list of party switchers (compiled in 2001) An overview of party switching in recent years "Party switching comes with political risks" Oklahoma State Senator Nancy Riley switches from Republican to Democrat Montana State Senator switches from Republican to Democrat to break a 25 to 25 tie Mayor Michael Bloomberg's official homepage Speaker confirms Rep. Dedman's party switch Wave of Party Switchers Hits Republicans Specter Among Few Party Switchers to Lose Seat Political history of the United States United States