Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson is switching parties.

The long-time Democrat said Friday he wants to seek re-election as a Republican in the 2014 election.

On Monday, he will meet with the executive committee of the Calhoun County Republican Party, which will vote on whether to accept Amerson as a party member.

Amerson said he’s had a hard time reconciling his own personal conservative beliefs with the “national speak” of the Democratic Party.

He said in particular a softened stance from the party on drug-related crimes and a move away from more spiritual and faith-based matters have driven him away from the party.

Amerson, who recently completed a term as President of the National Sheriff’s Association, said Friday he kept his promise to finish out his current term as Calhoun County Sheriff, which began in 2010, as a Democrat.

(Anniston Star/www.annistonstar.com)