Ashley Bell

12.15.10

Hall County Commissioner Ashley Bell made an announcement last week to join the Republican Party. Bell is a former National President for the College of Democrats of America and served as a super delegate in 2004 at the Democratic National Convention. Given his extensive track record of being a key figure for the Democratic Party, this announcement was both surprising and historic.

Ashley Bell is the first elected African American official to switch parties. He is aware of the rarity of his move and attributes that to the exploitation of the race issue in the Democratic Party. "When I talk to African Americans about why they stay Democrat, there's really no reason...outside of this blind loyalty, a lot of times. The issues don't match up. I'm not the first African American to be pro-life; I'm the first African American to be conservative," Bell said.

For Bell, the changing image of the Democratic Party was a major factor in his decision to switch parties. Concerning the issues, Bell describes himself as being pro-life, fiscally conservative, and a supporter of the fair tax and the second amendment--all conservative stances, which naturally made Bell feel like a black sheep in the Democratic Party. And to possess these ideals and remain a democrat, "...it just became more illogical as years went on," explains Bell. 

Gov. Elect Nathan Deal made the initial announcement of Bell's switch on Thursday, December 9 at the Chamber of commerce Eggs and Issues breakfast. Later that morning, Bell made his official announcement at a press conference in Atlanta "with Georgia Republican Party Chairman Sue Everhart, state Representative Melvin Everson, Georgia Black Republican Council Chairman Michael McNeely and Rufus Montgomery."