The Nation - News from July 30, 1989

Republicans in Little Rock, Ark., cheered their latest convert, Rep. Tommy F. Robinson, who defected from the Democratic ranks earlier last week. “I know how hard it is to be a Southern conservative Democrat. My conscience is now clear,” Robinson told about 150 Republicans. “I have now made my decision and it is the right one for the people of this state.” Robinson, 47, and his wife, Carolyn, were greeted by an audience that waved small U.S. flags and swayed to a Dixieland band. President Bush announced the three-term congressman’s party change Friday.