GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — State Rep. Kathleen Curry of Gunnison is switching her party affiliation from Democrat to independent, forcing her to give up leadership positions in the chamber.
Curry said Tuesday that she doesn't fit into either party and would rather focus on her constituents than partisan politics.
The 49-year-old rancher won election three times as a Democrat to House District 61. She is expected to run again next year.
Curry had been appointed as House speaker pro tem. She heads the House Agriculture Committee.
House Speaker Terrance Caroll, D-Denver, said he was surprised by Curry's decision and tried to talk her out of it.
Democrats held a 38-27 majority in the House before Curry's switch.
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