Speculation is mounting in Turkey's Muğla province that metropolitan mayor Ahmet Aras may cross over to the ruling AK Party after resigning from the CHP. His departure from the main opposition's ranks set off the rumors almost immediately. Aras has kept his silence about the claims since stepping down. He did break cover long enough to congratulate Nail Kızıl, who won the primary for the provincial chairmanship. Observers also picked up on his appearance at an event next to Kadem Mete, the AK Party deputy for Muğla, which did little to quiet the talk. A defection by a sitting metropolitan mayor would land hard on the opposition and hand the ruling party a notable gain in the province. Until Aras speaks plainly, his next political address remains an open question.