James M. Jeffords

“Looking ahead, I can see more and more instances where I will disagree with the president on very fundamental issues.”

“In order to best represent my state and my conscience, I have decided to leave the Republican Party and become an Independent.”

“Increasingly, I find that I am at odds with my party.”

“I was elected to represent the people of Vermont. That is a responsibility that I take very seriously.”

“The party's gotten more conservative, and I've gotten more moderate.”

“I have not been coerced or pressured by any one person or any one party.”

“This is a decision I have reached on my own.”

“I think that all of us, from the president to a junior member of the House, are all here to do what we think is best for the country.”