Rep. Steve Lebsock became a Republican minutes before being expelled from the legislature, meaning

Rep. Steve Lebsock became a Republican minutes before being expelled from the legislature, meaning GOP could get his seat


Steve Lebsock, minutes before he was expelled from the Colorado House of Representatives on Friday afternoon, changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, according to state elections officials, setting up a scenario under which his newly vacated seat could fall into GOP hands.

Lebsock’s departing shot at his party won’t change the balance of power in the House, however. With Lebsock gone, Democrats currently hold 36 seats and the Republicans have 28.

The Colorado secretary of state’s office said Stephen James Lebsock, of Thornton, became a Republican at 3:17 p.m. Friday — roughly around the same time he took to the House floor to declare, amid tears, “I know the vote count right now.”

“It’s been the honor of my life to serve the people of Colorado, and I was willing to fight this year for the people of Colorado,” he then said. “Members, please remember that we should always strive to do the right thing.”

He was then expelled by a 52-9 vote. Lebsock, who was serving his third term in the state House, remains a candidate for state treasurer.

Read more: https://www.denverpost.com/2018/03/02/steve-lebsock-republican-colorado-legislature-expulsion/