Sherriff Beary quits Republican Party, becomes independent

The Orlando Sentinel reports...

The Republicans didn't lose just both houses of Congress -- they lost Orange County's Sheriff, too.

Sheriff Kevin Beary issued a statement this afternoon, annoucing that he is leaving the Republican party and becoming an independent.

"I am tired of party politics. I am tired of the bickering and not getting anything accomplished for the American people," Beary said in a statement. "In Washington, we refuse to address the emerging violent crime problems, pretending one does not exist. In Florida, our violent crime issues have fallen on deaf ears. Our juvenile crime rate is skyrocketing and we don't want to address the problems. In Orange County we don't address public safety needs as they relate to growth and increasing tourism.

"Maybe it's time for Republicans and Democrats to put people first and not their party agenda," Beary said.