Shortly after the controversial 2001 reapportionment process, and Murphy's own political defeat, political power shifted in favor of the Republicans, who gained control of both chambers of the Legislature, the Governor's office, and the majority of statewide elected offices. A number of Murphy's lieutenants, including Lauren "Bubba" McDonald and Reapportionment committee Chairman Bob Hanner, who was Murphy's point man on efforts to re-draw district lines to favor Democrats, left the Democratic Party and joined with their former political rivals when power shifted to the Republicans.