Unless you're a dedicated policy wonk, the name Stuart Butler probably doesn't ring a bell. For 35 years, Butler has been a senior researcher at the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. He was among the most visible figures — and possibly the most visible — shaping conservative views on social policy. Last week, Butler disclosed that he's moving to the left-leaning Brookings Institution.

Holy cow! I admit to being surprised, even stunned. It's as if Derek Jeter decided to play for the Red Sox or Vladimir Putin became secretary-general of the United Nations. The move is totally counterintuitive.

There's no indication that Butler's views have changed. He's criticized the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), advocated cuts in Social Security and doubted the effectiveness of many welfare policies. Indeed, Brookings boasted in a press release that Butler's arrival shows open-mindedness. It "underscores our interest in encouraging a diversity of views," said Ted Gayer, vice president and director of Economic Studies.