Bill Knowles received a warm welcome from his new political kin Monday as the County Clerk who’s run 10 times as a Democrat crossed party lines to become a Republican.
He made the announcement at the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club meeting.
“It just felt right now to do it,” Knowles said, explaining why he changed parties after so many successful runs as a Democrat. “I advertised during my campaign conservative values.”
The county clerk serves as secretary to the County Commission, executes many of the state’s taxation duties within the county and serves as chairman of the County Records Commission.
Knowles, 76, won re-election in August to his 10th term. He received substantial Republican support as he beat Republican opponent Chester Heathington. It was an achievement in a tough election year for Democrats. Knowles pledged to run the office the same way he has for decades.