'So liberal:' Rural NC lawmaker switches parties [View all]

DUBLIN, North Carolina (WTVD) -- A Democratic state legislator from rural North Carolina who is often aligned with GOP colleagues on major legislation is officially joining the Republican Party.

Six-term Rep. Bill Brisson of Bladen County told WECT-TV he would file paperwork to change his voter affiliation later Wednesday and seek re-election in 2018 under the Republican banner.

The switch means Republicans now will hold 75 of the 120 House seats. Democrats now will have to pick up four seats in the chamber to end the GOP's veto-proof majority.

Brisson didn't immediately return calls and a text to The Associated Press but told the TV station he'd been getting pressured by constituents to change parties. He said he doesn't have a lot in common with the Democratic Party "because they have become so liberal."

"It's all about the people with me, and it always has been. It's not as much about party vote with me," Brisson said. "I cannot support everything the Democratic Party is pushing today. ... I feel like by changing, I'll be in a better position to serve the people."

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http://abc11.com/politics/so-liberal-rural-nc-lawmaker-switches-parties/2568148/