Alaska Lawmaker Switches Parties, Joins House Majority Caucus

Representative Lindsey Holmes changes party from Democrat to Republican

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By Matt Buxton - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner / mbuxton@newsminer.com

FAIRBANKS - With just a few days before the Legislature gavels in, an Anchorage Democrat’s switch to the Republican Party could mean big change for Fairbanks.

Rep. Lindsey Holmes announced Saturday night that she left Democrats to join the Republican-led House Majority, a move that reduces the number of Democrats in the House and cuts the party’s representation on the powerful House Finance Committee.

The November elections put 11 members in the House Democratic Caucus, giving it three seats on the budget-setting Finance Committee. Two Fairbanks-area Democrats, Reps. Scott Kawasaki and David Guttenberg, had been named as committee members along with Anchorage Rep. Les Gara.

Now that Democratic Caucus membership sits at 10, it is only entitled to two seats on the 11-member committee. Kawasaki is the most junior of the three members.

However, Holmes’ jump, which means she’ll take a seat on the Finance Committee, doesn’t necessarily mean Kawasaki will lose his seat.

House Democratic press secretary Mark Gnadt said the caucus will meet to reorganize before the start of the session Tuesday.

Kawasaki did not have a comment on the change as of press time.

Holmes said the move would allow her to better serve her district.

“Working as a member of the majority is the best way to move Alaska forward on many important issues,” Holmes said in a press release. “I look forward to strengthening and continuing to build my working relationships with other members of the House Majority.”

Holmes had been elected by a more than 10-point margin in November.

Alaska Democratic Party Chair-elect Mike Wenstrup criticized Holmes’ move.

“Rep. Holmes has deceived the voters of her district. She should have been honest about her intentions. If she intended to serve as a Republican, she should have run as a Republican,” Wenstrup said.

“During this past election cycle, she repeatedly reaffirmed her stances on core Democratic values that run counter to Republican positions she now claims to hold,” he said. “Alaska continues to need public servants who stand by their principles, not politicians who put their own careers ahead of Alaska.”

Contact Fairbanks Daily News-Miner staff writer Matt Buxton at 907-459-7544 or follow him on Twitter: @FDNMpolitics.

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Sick of Politics said on Monday, Jan 14 at 5:44 AM

How did "God" get into this conversation? First off Midgardian, just because somebody claims something in the name of God doesn't mean it's God's way. Second, miss know it all, if I were Satainist or a Witch I may use the Term God and not be talking about the Christian God. So even the god-less have the Christin God on the brain. Again, pulling up the past of what man did... that is a sick and ill attempt to prove a point. You look at most liberals, they are about Free Speech until you disagree with them, then they are hateful, and only talk about violence and always point the finger. I hear more hateful violence coming from liberals then I do "Christians". Look in the mirror you twit!! For Mike, Dude, read your bible. The only way out is to pray it out. Arguing with the stupid gets a stupid argument. All you can do is speak life. She does have a point. A person should govern with their faith as a guideline to govern. Not to be their faith the government. Catholics taught us that.

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Griz said on Monday, Jan 14 at 12:21 AM

Wow, I wonder if her former party, & friends. Will give her, the Palin treatment now. I will pray for her & her family's safety.

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Drini said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 11:27 PM

She should be prosecuted for lying to thevoters and there should be a special election for the district that she ran for.We allready have enough liars in politics.

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bodiannie said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 11:17 PM

Thanks Mike. What kind of women is Lindsey Holmes to do a switharoo. Must be a hormonal issue. Or perhaps$$$$. But yep only in Alaska.

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Leonid said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 6:59 PM

We have supported you before and you will have our support now. God speed!

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John said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 5:38 PM

Most all of our founding fathers were Christians believe it or not it is a fact.

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sam hall said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 5:36 PM

I do not think a political person what is elected should change their political party in such a short time period. They instead should have as to running for any election let the voters know which party they were in at that time. When this is done in a very short time frame this sounds much more just like only a political move for who? themself.

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Midgardian said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 4:44 PM

The words "In God We Trust" were added in the 50's, Mike, not by the Founding Fathers, who were mostly Deist or Agnostic and NOT Christian.

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Mike said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 4:11 PM

I beleive,like many of the founders of our country in God. Check your money out.The words "In God we trust" are on them. Also, the Only words written in Congress above the speakers podium are "In God we Trust" I too Trust in God as my Lord and Savior.You do not and I believe its not going to be very pleasant for you when you die. At any rate, the point is people have different opinions in life and you might want to be a bit more tolerant and less angry..Good Day :~)

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Midgardian said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 3:58 PM

So, you believe in a vengeful, genocidal, blood-thirsty Bronze Age desert spirit, Mike?

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Mike said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 3:49 PM

You are clearly a very angry,tense person.Try to be a little more tolerant of others opinions without being so angry.Stress kills! Its clear you do not believe in God,and I very much do. When we die,we will see who is better off.....

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Midgardian said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 2:46 PM

You want some examples of your god's "right choices", Mike? Ok. The Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, the Salem Witch Trials, the slaughtering of hundred of thousands of Native Americans, the Holocaust. Should I continue or is that enough examples of the genocides your blood-thirsty imaginary friend inspired?

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RD said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 12:44 PM

Alaska lawmakers need to follow Wyoming's lead on just introduced bill HB0104 State of Wyoming Protection Act Amendment. Wyoming has said no to the gun grab scheme.

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Mike said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 12:16 PM

Way to show a typical mean,nasty liberal Midgardian! Pretty sad. Liberals fancy themselves as being so "Tolerant" But as your nasty little comment shows clearly, libs are only tolerant if you hold the same view as them. Typical hateful liberal.May God bless you and help to accept others views without being so hateful.....

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???? said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 12:09 PM

Mike ????? She has already proven her inability to make the right choices.

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Midgardian said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 10:51 AM

Yeah. 'Cause God has helped so many leaders make intelligent, informed & rational decisions in the past, huh, Mike(?) Grow up, you twit.

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Mike said on Sunday, Jan 13 at 10:23 AM

Congratulations Lindsey!May God give you direction to make the right choices for the state of Alaska!

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