Ron Moten, the Peaceaholics co-founder who had made overtures about running for the D.C. Council seat currently held by Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), now tells the Washington Post that he is planning on running — as a Republican.

Moten, a lifelong Democrat and fierce supporter of former mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D), said he decided to become a Republican to give Ward 7 voters another choice. He becomes the first Republican to signal an intention to run for the council next year.

“I have been a conservative the whole time,” said Moten, a convicted former drug dealer who later emerged as one of the city’s chief anti-gang and violence prevention activists. “The issues I see going on in D.C., I think what I am doing is the best the decision for the city right now, and with things that need to be fixed, I think this is the way to fix them.”

Tim Craig’s report also includes the news that Moten is planning to officially announce his candidacy at Woodlawn Cemetery on Saturday, which is an interesting place to start a run for office.

In all, this should at least be pretty fun to watch — and, frankly, it’s kind of a clever move by Moten, who, if he wins the GOP’s nomination, will avoid having to run against both Alexander and Kevin B. Chavous (the son of former councilmember Kevin P. Chavous) in the primary in April. If anything, the debates should be highly entertaining.

We’ve reached out for a comment from the D.C. GOP about the news, but they are waiting until tomorrow to make an official statement.