This Vermont senator left the Republican Party, giving control of the Senate to the Democrats
Vermont 
Senator in 2001 Left Republican Party, Giving Control of Chamber ... with the 
Democrats, control of the Senate changed parties in the middle of a... [DOC] [TLE] Jeffords Leaves Republican Party - Washington Post [PAR] May 24, 2001 ... James Jeffords bolted the Republican Party and declared himself an 
independent on Thursday.