The November election put Republican Todd Platts in the minority for the first time in his congressional career, and that turn of events could mean both parties will be more interested in how he votes.

His vote could have added value to Republicans as they try to muster every bit of support to thwart the Democrats, some experts say. Others argue that Platts could now have more leeway to deviate from his party's leadership.

However his role changes, Platts said he will vote based on the merits of each bill. So far this year, that has made him seem more like a Democrat than a Republican.

In the first weeks of the new Democratic Congress, Platts and five other Republican congressmen have sided with Democrats on a minimum wage increase, 9/11 Commission recommendations, stem-cell research and Medicare drug prices.

A good read for those you, like me, who don't know that much about Rep Platts.