I'm wary of her, too, but somewhat hopeful. Reading the article you linked here and she switched away from the Republican party after Bush Jr's war-mongering and I can relate to that.

While I certainly didn't go over to the dark side (demoncrap), I did not vote for Bush Jr for a second term, this from being a lifelong Republican. The 911 attack set off too many red flags and I started paying closer attention, thought Dick Cheney was the evil incarnate and the whole WMD debacle cemented the realization that there was something very wrong with the establishment politicians on both sides of the aisle.

What I'm trying to say is that the Bush Jr presidency was a political awakening for me and other previously staunch Republicans. I really can't blame Ms. Lake from getting disgusted with the right at that juncture in history.

With all the hype about the renegade I think many people were hopeful he'd be okay, but after seeing him in action and doing what was unmistakeably deliberate damage to the country, many who bought into that hope turned away before he ran for re-selection.

I could be wrong, but it appears to me that her party switches were principled ones, not opportunistic.