Republicans have won a supermajority in both houses of the Louisiana legislature after legendary Delhi MP Francis Thompson changed his party registration after nearly 50 years of voting service as a Democrat.
Thompson’s change of party gives Republicans 70 votes in the House of Representatives, the number needed to override a veto by Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards. The GOP already had a super majority in the Senate.
Thompson, 81, is the longest-serving legislator in Louisiana history, having won the first state legislature election in 1974.
The Louisiana Republican Party officially celebrated the flip at a press conference Friday.
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“It’s a lucky day, but it’s not a decision made in a day,” Thompson said in an interview with USA Today Network. “I struggled with that and thought about it for more than a year when it became clear that the Republican Party better represents my values and philosophy today.”
State MP Francis Thompson, D-Delhi
Thompson, who represents District 19 in northeast Louisiana, was among the last of the Blue Dog Democrats, more conservative members of the party who have so far resisted changing his affiliation.
In a statement, Thompson said: “Let me be clear: nothing has changed. There are values and principles that I firmly hold and that guide my decisions. … My decision to move to the Republican Party is one that best reflects my views and those of the constituents who elected me to serve them.”
The regular session of the legislature begins on April 10th.
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“Today is a pivotal moment for the Louisiana Legislature as it achieved an absolute majority for the first time in our state’s history,” said Republican Erath Assemblyman Blake Miguez.
“For Francis to join our ranks is further evidence of Louisiana’s nostalgia for conservative values and a rejection of Washington’s liberal policies,” said Louis Gurvich of the Louisiana Republican Party.
Sam Jenkins, chairman of the Shreveport House Democratic caucus, said the party switch was just a formality for Thompson, who Jenkins said often voted with Republicans.
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The story goes on
“Rep. Thompson’s decision, while disappointing, is not surprising,” Jenkins said. “Other than that, his decision doesn’t change our focus. Families in Louisiana are our priority – not partisan politics.
“We’re confident that voters will share our values and vote more Democrats in October to join the fight to raise wages, improve education and hold insurance companies accountable.”
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Republicans win supermajority in Louisiana legislature by no vote
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