Dem rejected in bid to switch to GOP

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) - A Democrat hoping to switch to the GOP is asking the Talladega County Republican Committee to reconsider its rejection of his bid to leave his party.

The Daily Home of Talladega reports that the committee recently voted 8-6 against Talladega County commissioner Jackie Swinford joining the Republican party. Swinford's bid will be reconsidered at a Jan. 5 specially called meeting.

Swinford says he ran as a Democrat for his seat on the county commission and wanted to wait until he was up for re-election to change parties. He says he's been encouraged by members of the GOP to switch.

He says he will not seek the nomination for the Democrats, vowing to either run as a Republican or an independent.