AboutJohn C. Berg Expertise How to run for office and win, how to lobby, how to promote your political cause effectively, how to get involved in electoral and issue campaigns, how to get a job in politics.
Experience I have been a professor of political science since 1974, and direct a graduate program in professional politics. I have worked on many campaigns in various capacities.
Organizations American Association of Political Consultants, American Political Science Association, Caucus for a New Political Science, National Society for Experiential Education, International Political Science Association.
Publications Polity, New Political Science, Policy Studies Journal. Author of Unequal Struggle: Class, Gender, Race, and Power in the US Congress.
Education/Credentials PhD, Harvard University, 1975
MA, Harvard University, 1973
BA with Honors, University of Wisconsin, 1964
Expert: John C. Berg Date: 5/5/2008 Subject: Can politicians in office switch political parties?
Question Dear John,
Can an in-office politician (including the President) switch their political party affiliation while in office?
I'm assuming not, but if not, what law restricts them from doing so?
Answer Dear Valerie,
The short answer is "yes." For example, early in 2001 Senator Jim Jeffords, a Republican from Vermont, switched to independent and announced that he would vote with the Democrats for purposes of choosing the majority leader and committee chairs, thus giving the Democrats control of the Senate through 2002. This has happened several times in US history. The Constitutional provisions about Congressional elections make no mention of party -- people are elected as individuals only, so they have no legal obligation to their party.
Also, even if elected members stay in the same party, they frequently vote with the other party.
