More here:

I voted YES on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)

I voted YES on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding. (Apr 2005)

Given the changing nature of the national party, it has become a struggle for our leaders to deal with me and for me to deal with them.

My switch was also motivated by the refusal of Senate Republicans to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Increasingly, I found myself in disagreement with my party... I understand that many people are more conservative than I am and they form the Republican Party.

is sent to the president. I gave my word to the president that I would not intercept or try to intervene in the signing of that bill. My opposition to the policies of the George W. Bush administration, including concerns over the size of the Bush tax cuts, motivated my party switch.