Interesting crumb, (sorry if repost).
http:// articles.sun-sentinel.com/2008-07-19/news/0807180135_1_democratic-candidates-party-s-nomination-broward-democratic-party
Longtime Republican runs for sheriff as a Democrat
July 19, 2008|By Anthony Man Political Writer
Scott Israel, one of the Democratic candidates for Broward Sheriff, was a life-long Republican until last year - when Gov. Charlie Crist picked another Republican, Al Lamberti, as interim sheriff.
When he asked Crist to appoint him sheriff last year, Israel wrote the governor that "in the interest of total transparency, I wish to make it known that I do intend to be a candidate next year for the nomination of the Republican Party of Broward County for the position of Sheriff."
One of the references Israel put on his application to the governor when he was seeking the appointment was Chip LaMarca, chairman of the Broward Republican Party.
Once the Democratic avenue was the only realistic path to becoming sheriff, Israel switched parties.