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I was a Democrat for a period of time early on. And then I was also an independent. And then I became a Republican.

I started out being a really, really liberal Democrat.

When I retired out of the military, I registered myself as a Republican because my views and perspectives were more in line with that party.

Even if I was a Republican, George Bush would have pushed me out of that party.

I joined a Republican Party that was used to losing, used to being browbeaten by the Democrats. I represent a totally different style.

I have been a Republican since 1966.

I had a reputation of being somewhat moderate, partly, I think, because I wasn't a 'bomb thrower' like some of my conservative colleagues, and partly because I got along with people all across the political spectrum.

I became a Republican because I trust people more than I trust government.

I didn't want to engage in a campaign where I was defending myself on those issues at every turn, so I just decided that I'd switch and run as a Republican.

I started out as a Democrat.