QUICK HITS - Last week, Sen. Mike Gabard made his switch to the Democratic Party official, much to the chagrin of former Republican colleagues, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports. "His social views didn't all of a sudden change, which caused him to identify more closely with the Democrat Party. I think it's about personal power as he sees it," Gov.Linda Lingle told the Star-Bulletin.

In the time since Gabbard publicly announced he was considering the Democratic switch, it seems like Hawai'i Republicans didn't do much to twist his arm to keep him. "My experience over at the Legislature has convinced me that in order to be more effective, it would be best if I were a part of the majority pary," Gabbard told the Star-Bulletin.

Can you blame him? Who wants to play for the Orlando Magic when you can roll with the big dogs on the L.A. Lakers? Voters will have to wait and see how long the Democrats' warm welcome will last. It's one thing to work with your buddy. It's a whole different ballgame when you start sharing a bathroom.