While Democrat Minority Leader Craig Ford has been predicting a GOP to Democrat party switcher in the legislature, the exact opposite happened Tuesday as State Rep. Alan Harper of Aliceville announced his decision to switch his affiliation to the Alabama Republican Party. He will join as a member of the House Majority Caucus when the 2012 regular legislative session convenes later today.
Harper said his decision to switch parties came after much prayerful thought and serious discussions with family, close friends and long-time supporters and is “based upon doing what is best for the citizens of House District 61.”
“I am appreciative of the warm welcome I have received from House Republicans and the Party leadership, along with the words of support expressed from folks in my district,” Harper said. “My support of business, education, new jobs and the well being of the citizens at home remains unchanged and continues to be priority number one for me.”
House Majority Leader Micky Hammon (R – Decatur) said Harper’s decision to follow his conscience was appreciated by his Republican colleagues and swells GOP ranks in the 105-member chamber to 65.
“Alan Harper is a well-liked, well-respected and valued member of the Alabama House, and the Republican Caucus welcomes him into our ranks with open arms,” Hammon said. “We look forward to working with him as House Republicans continue our push to create jobs, improve public education and bring unprecedented accountability and transparency to state government.”
In addition to his legislative service, Harper’s career path includes working in local government, public education, the banking industry and economic development. Harper served almost a decade with the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority where he assisted in recruiting numerous companies, including ZF Industries, Johnson Controls, Delphi, ICS, Recticel and the Mercedes-Benz expansion, which represented approximately 4,000 jobs and upwards of $500 million in capital investment.
His civic and professional affiliations include the Board of the Economic Development Association of Alabama, Tenn-Tom Waterway Development Council, Aliceville Rotary Club, Aliceville Area Chamber of Commerce, Gordo Area Chamber of Commerce, Reform Chamber of Commerce, and Pickens County Cattlemen’s Association.
For more thoughts on party switching, check out our recent article (that also foreshadowed Rep. Harper’s switch) by clicking here.
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