Rumors have it that Gwinnett County State Representative Scott Dix has sent a letter to House Democrat Caucus Chairman Calvin Smyre indicating that "After much contemplation, reflection, discussion and prayer, I have made the official decision to change parties." (Source: article by Tom Crawford of Capitol Impact).

Dix's switch adds to the Democratic control of the State House, making it 108 Dems to 71 Republicans.

PV's Analysis: Can we get a "Whoop-dee-do" from the good folks of Georgia? Insiders we've spoken to predict that Dix's reward will be that he is granted chairmanship over the Judiciary Committee.

However, his switch may gain him only one legislative session of glory in the House majority. Had he stayed in the GOP, he would have faced challenger Clay Cox this upcoming primary, who would have been a stronger conservative for that seat. The seat voted over 60% for Bush in 2000.

If Cox has no Republican primary challenger, look for him to be able to raise a lot of campaign cash to defeat Dix in the 2004 General.