Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont - Republican to Independent: Jim Jeffords, a senator from Vermont, was a Republican until May 2001. A liberal/moderate Republican, Jeffords said he increasingly found himself “in disagreement with my party.” His switch gave Democrats control of the Senate; in return, he got a key committee chairmanship where he could champion issues important to him. Jeffords retired from the Senate in 2007. Jeffords is seen here shaking hands at a party for the retiring politician in August 2006 in Shrewsbury, Vt.
PHOTO: The Daily Herald/AP/FILE
