Atlanta-based Red State blogger and columnist Erick Erickson is leaving CNN for Fox News.

He joined CNN in 2010 as a contributor to the now-defunct "John King USA" program. He has since provided commentary for the network when needed at different times of the day.

In a lengthy note on his blog, Erickson noted what an odd fit he was for CNN but expressed gratitude for the opportunities the network gave him:

Because of CNN I’m not just better at my job, but I’m a better person. For all the hate and angst from a lot of folks on the right over me going to CNN, I know many of the contributors I consider good friends were initially skeptical of my hiring. I had to learn an art form too often missing these days in partisan talk — the art of conversation, particularly with those who might disagree with me. I had to learn to be friends with people who I disagreed with. And I leave deeply caring for those people.

Frankly, before I went to CNN I was oblivious to the fact that there are ways to say things, without sacrificing or compromising my view or principle, that come off as more respectable and honest without invective than how I might have otherwise said them. There are ways to say things that draw people to you and ways to say things that push people from you. There are also times that facts and “known facts” get bounced around by both sides of the political spectrum without them ever actually being actual facts. We should all be more mindful of that. CNN made me mindful of that.

Erickson is also a radio host on AM750 and 95.5 FM news/talk WSB from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays.

In another CNN-related shuffle, James Carville confirmed with Politco that he and his wife Mary Matalin are leaving CNN as paid contributors after a long stint there.

CNN this afternoon confirmed all the departures.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution and WSB are both part of Cox Media Group.