MO-XGR--Campaign-Party Swit

Former top Republican aide to run as Democrat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A former top aide to Republican House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, is leaving the GOP to run as a Democrat for the state Senate. Chris Benjamin had been the chief of staff for Jetton until he resigned last month. Benjamin grew up in Harrisonville and is seeking a western Missouri district that covers Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties. He plans to start his campaign Monday. That district's current senator is Chris Koster, who last year also switched from the Republican to Democratic party. Koster is running for attorney general and is not seeking re-election. Republican House member David Pearce also is running for the Senate seat.

-- From staff and wire reports