Nathan Fletcher: Sacramento loner

Assemblymember and mayoral candidate Nathan Fletcher announced today via YouTube that he's leaving the Republican Party to be an independent. 

Now, when a politician leaves his party and doesn't switch sides, he usually chooses one party to caucus with anyway in order to help pass bills and score committee leadership seats. Here are some examples from Congress: 

When Sen. Harry Byrd left the Democratic party, he stuck with the Democratic caucus. 

When Rep. Virgil Good left the Democratic Party, he caucused with the Republicans.

When Sen. Joe Lieberman left the Democratic party, he continued to caucus with Democrats.

When Sen. Jim Jeffords left the Republican Party, he decided to caucus with the Democrats.

So, what does Fletcher intend to do for the rest of his term? 

Answer: Sit by his lonesome self. 

"He doesn't plan to caucus with either party but instead plans to do what is right for the people of San Diego," campaign spokesperson Amy Thoma says. "Nathan always has been and will continue to be an independent voice."