“I am somewhat (though not totally) surprised at the announcement from Delegate Ferns today regarding his registration as a member of the Democrat Party.

“He was in my office a few weeks ago where he was expressly asked whether he was going to switch political parties, and specifically stated to Delegate Doug Skaff, Majority Leader Harry Keith White, and me that he was not going to switch political parties. In fact, he said that while he didn't agree with everything for which the Democratic Party stood, he stated he would never become a Republican for reasons that I should not repeat publicly.

“Obviously I'm disappointed in Delegate Fern's decision today, but in politics some people say one thing and do another. Delegate Ferns has now done this on multiple occasions.

“I am left to wonder whether he is now taking this step in order to cash in on the promise of campaign funding that the Republican Party has made to many Democrats. In a day and age when there are fewer and fewer principled people in politics, I guess I should not be surprised.

“Nonetheless, I wish him well and hope that he is sincere in his support of our efforts in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs flourish in West Virginia.”