Once reliably Republican, it has been slipping into the Democratic or at least independent fold.

But more recently, the organization has sought to avoid divisive issues within the Democratic fold and to reach out more to the party's left.

After 1928 the Solid South returned to the Democratic fold.

But if the rest of them return to the Democratic fold in future elections, it could have a profound effect on the Republican heartland.

But last week union workers and Catholics returned to the Democratic fold.

Ray Williamson, a 47-year-old trucker, came back to the Democratic fold, too.

But they have been known to return to the Democratic fold during economic downturns, as happened with Bill Clinton's victory in 1992.

Many who lost their jobs making cars in recent years returned to the Democratic fold.

There has been a small yet significant movement of people to the Democratic fold.

He sees no reason to turn to the Republican or Democratic fold.