Rep. Bubber Epps Switches Parties

Representative Bubber Epps said he spent this weekend meeting with House Speaker David Ralston in Athens and has decided to switch to the Republican party. 

Democrats and Republicans are meeting in Athens at the Biennial Conference to discuss the upcoming legislative session.  Epps says he told House Speaker David Ralston Saturday afternoon, to get more done for his constituents in the rural counties he represents. 

Now, Republicans only need seven more Democrats to switch sides to have a supermajority.

Democrat Minority Leader Senator Robert Brown would not comment on Epps’ switch until he returns to Macon tomorrow.  They were close political allies.

Bubber Epps represents house district 140 which includes all of Wilkinson and Twiggs counties, and parts of Bibb and Jones. 

While seeking re-election this fall, his opponent Allen Freeman accused him of conspiring with Republicans to make the switch. 

Today, Epps denied he switched parties to benefit a personal agenda.  “I don’t have a political basis I want to build,” he said.  “And when I view this on an overall perspective, I have to position myself to have that voice heard,” Epps said.