Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore dropped a bombshell Thursday when she announced she was switching parties to become a Democrat.DiFiore, who is on vacation, issued a statement to the media about the change of party affiliation. "I felt this was the best way. I consider my office, non-political and non-partisan. I will continue to do my work in a quiet and strong way," said DiFiore.

DiFiore was elected as a Republican in 2005 and took office in 2006. Before becoming district attorney, she was elected to serve as a judge. With the change in registration, she now joins the county's other two top elected leaders, County Executive Andy Spano and County Clerk Tim Idoni. DiFiore also joins Assemblyman Mike Spano, of Yonkers, as the second major Republican in the county to switch parties among Westchester's elected leaders.

County GOP leader Doug Colety says DiFiore is going against voters who elected her three times. Colety says the district attorney?s motives have more to do with her trying to be re-elected in 2009.