Lawmaker from central Louisiana becomes latest Democratic defection to the GOP (Rep. Billy Chandler)

BATON ROUGE, La. — A state lawmaker from central Louisiana has become the latest member of the Louisiana House to leave the Democratic Party for the GOP. Rep. Billy Chandler, of Dry Prong, announced his party switch Friday, adding another Republican to the House, which recently became a majority GOP chamber. Chandler says he's joined the Republican Party because the philosophy more closely matches his views and those of his constituents. He was elected in 2006 to the district representing parts of Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, and Winn parishes. The House has 53 Republicans, 46 Democrats, four independents and two vacancies....