Kathy Curry of the Western Slope says she can no longer side against the values of her District

The Colorado House of Represenatitives now has an Independent member. Kathleen Curry who represents District 61, has officially resigned from the Democrat Caucus, and changed her affiliation to Un-affiliated. What's more, she plans to do the unthinkable; run for reelection as a write-in.

From the Colorado Statesman, Jan. 1:

The decision, Curry said, wasn’t made hastily.

The three-term legislator said that she had felt torn between being loyal to the Democratic leadership and honestly representing her constituents in House District 61. At least 43 percent of voters are unaffiliated in the district which includes Eagle, Gunnison, Pitkin, Hinsdale and Garfield counties. [Located directly north of Aspen and West of Denver on I-70]

“I have to vote my conscience and for my district ­— and that isn’t always in step with party leadership,” said Curry. “I’m really not a partisan person.”

The article continues:

Curry had been a Democrat for more than 30 years, but she described herself as an independent thinker.

That independent streak drew criticism from some Democrats, she said, particularly during the 2009 legislative session. During the debate over the “long bill” in April, Curry had proposed several amendments to balance the state budget — including a proposed across-the-board budget cut — that were rejected.

Rep. Curry currently serves as Chair of the Agricultural Committee in the House. There are indications that Rep. Curry plans to work with at least one Republican from her region, Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, on reforming mandated insurance.

Local reporter from her region, Alan Pendergast of Denver Westworld, gives more insight:

You might think that the departure of a rising star among state Democrats would be a bigger deal than this Post story suggests, but state representative Kathleen Curry and party leaders seem eager to downplay Curry's decision to change her voter registration from Dem to unaffiliated.

In the tyranny of today's partisan politics--witness the lockstep health-care debate in Washington--there doesn't seem to be any leeway for leaders to actually follow their own consciences and good judgment.

[Pendergast quoted Curry] Democrats "have a big tent...but I do feel in leadership you should march in line more than I have."