Doorley's announcement Thursday that she is leaving the Democratic Party to join the Republicans in her bid for a second term this fall surprised many in local political circles. Her decision was a high-profile defection for Democrats, and it left some of the GOP party faithful crowing.

Doorley offered few specifics about the reasons for her switch. She cast it as a choice that would allow her to focus on her work "in an environment where my work is valued and supported."

She also said she made the move after reflecting on her values and her last three years as DA, and deciding that the GOP was a better fit.

Doorley's move comes at a time of transition for county Democrats.

Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle, D-Irondequoit, stepped down from his role as party chairman last year. Party members chose Garretson, who had been Democratic town leader in Greece, as their new chairman last fall, and he spoke at the time about trying to get divided factions of the party to focus on their common values.

Soon thereafter, November elections left local Democrats little to celebrate, with Sen. Ted O'Brien losing to Republican Rich Funke and Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport, eking out a narrow victory over Republican Gates Supervisor Mark Assini.

Conservative Party Chairman Tom Cook, meanwhile, said he supports Doorley's bid for re-election as a Republican.

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Another rino or antiSAFE?

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With Astorino having won Monroe County, Doorley knows which team she wants to be on in the near future to assure her job.  

Typical opportunist politician.

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New R's are the old D's.
New D's are the old S's.

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I've never understood the party system. Once you're in politics you shouldn't be allowed to switch parties unless the party you're joining okays it. (So you don't get Bloomberg shit.). As well,mine party should have the ability to eject anyone who isn't following the parties ideals.
Of course in this day and age....