LOS ANGELES (AP) - Former Rep. Matthew "Marty" Martinez, who switched his party affiliation to Republican from Democrat late in his political career has died. He was 82.

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The Los Angeles Times reports that Martinez died Saturday at his home in Fredericksburg, Va., his family said. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Martinez was known as an advocate for youth and the elderly.

He won a special election in 1982 to and was re-elected eight times.

Martinez was voted out of office in 2000 and made waves when he changed his party registration to Republican for his final five months in office.