Sure they can. Why not" The fact is that, under Brownback and Kobach, the Kansas Republican party has moved so far to the extreme right that they have become viciously reactionary. Moderate ne moral Republicans in the state are starting to say, "NO. That is not me or an expression of my values. "

I can happen and does for several reasons. One might be simply they want to go with the party or feelings of the day. They don't change their stance much. We had a county councilman (Seattle area) who was running in a conservative area and went as a Republican (he was a Democrat). He knew how to play the voting game (most voters are nitwits) and was in office for 10 years. He was considered the father of the local growth management plan and when one new guy found out about the incumbants true feelings he ran and won.

Their party left them and the many other moderate Republicans that are considered RINOs by the far right that have taken over the GOP. Also, as the GOP has become increasingly authoritarian / anti-libertarian, I wouldn't be surprised if Republicans that actually lean libertarian (any left besides Amash?) either switch to Libertarian or become independent.

Sort of a sad day when conservative values once served by the Republican Party means changing to the Democrat Party...which also speaks to the failure of the Democrat Party to serve the values of its constituents....this will be interesting to watch