This past Thursday night, the Chattooga County Republican Party conducted their monthly party meeting at the Chattooga County Senior Center. In a surprising turn of events, Commissioner Jason Winters addressed the party members and ultimately joined them as a Republican.

GOP Party Chairman Spencer Hogg stated in a Newsmakers interview earlier this week that the party didn't have a set date for when the commissioner was supposed to speak but he did express interest. AM1180 spoke with Mr. Hogg yesterday, and he said he was surprised that the commissioner decided he would speak to the party. Hogg said, "He was not on the ballot to speak, however, he did come forth when I opened the floor to all members and guests to speak."

Commissioner Winters asked if he could say a few words, and then asked if he could join the party and what that process was to do so. "Any citizen who wants to come join our party simply has to sign their oath of affirmation and pay their dues. It's not something that really requires total party acceptance," Hogg said.

Commissioner Winters joined the Republican Party, and faced virtually no opposition. According to Hogg, the party was very supportive of Winters, and he expressed interest in getting more involved in party activities.