Burlington, New Jersey Mayor Switching To Republican Party As He Seeks Third Term

By David Madden

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- The two term mayor of Burlington, New Jersey has decided to switch political parties, opting to join the GOP as he seeks a third term in the fall.

James Fazzone suggests he's had more than his fair share of disputes with Democrats in control of Burlington's City Council over projects that would get the support of the Republican dominated Burlington County Freeholder board.

"I've been concerned and disillusioned with my Democratic colleagues on council on several decisions in several situations," Fazzone says.

Situations ranging from development in the town to projects like a soccer field. So when he seeks re-election, he'll put together a bipartisan slate.

"I'm going to get the best people I can, run them on my ticket and yes, we are being supported by the Republican party," he says, "but I'm still the same Mayor Fazzone that I always was."

Fazzone insists there were no promises made by the GOP to entice him to make the switch.

Wednesday's announcement doesn't change things much in Burlington, where six of the seven seats on city council are in Democratic hands.