Leach, Chafee start ‘Republicans for Obama’

[maddezmom]

Former Republican Rep. Jim Leach (Iowa) and former GOP Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R.I.) touted Barack Obama as the presidential candidate who represents the traditional conservatism that they feel has been forgotten under President Bush.

In an Obama campaign conference call Tuesday, during which Leach announced his endorsement of Sen. Obama (D-Ill.), the two former lawmakers tied presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) to Bush’s positions, particularly on the war in Iraq and spending.


Leach, who served 15 terms in the House, said that there’s real Republican concern “about the occurrence of current philosophy of government and prospect that we’ll have more of the same.”

Chafee, who served as a Republican in the Senate but has become an Independent, criticized McCain for voting against the Bush tax cuts and domestic offshore oil drilling but supporting those measures while campaigning for president.


more:http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/leach-chafee-start-republicans-for-obama-2008-08-12.html

[TexasObserver]

1. Both those guys are good guys, often voting right.

[csziggy]

2. Or do you mean voting left?

[TexasObserver]

7. Believe me, I thought about that when I posted it!

[roguevalley]

12. these are the groups that are important. they hold a lot of sway to

people who are sick of McCain and need permission if you will to cross over.

[DFLforever]

3. Wouldn't it be nice if he could pick up Colin Powell soon?

We at DU despise him but the general public and moderate type voters still admire him.

[Mike Daniels]

4. If Powell went for Obama I think the polls would show this race to be over shortly afterwards

What are the Repubs going to attack Powell on if he throws McCain overboard?

Even if Powell doesn't endorse anyone that's got to hurt McCain more in the public eye given that Powell is a fellow Vietnam War vet.

[populistdriven]

6. What do you think would be the best timing to announce Powell's endorsement? nt

[cascadiance]

5. My old congressman from many years ago...

... perhaps is finally learning that if you really want to be viewed favorably by progressives, you need to do more than just lip service stuff for them. This is good. Though Iowa City I think is still better served by a Democrat now.

Nevertheless, a good thing to see. Yes, the times today they are a changin'!

[progressoid]

11. Yep, there were quite a few Democrats that were actually sorry to see Jim go.

Regardless, I'm certainly not sorry to see a Democrat in that seat now.

[Blue_Tires]

8. wonderful...I knew Linc would come around!

[Blue Belle]

9. I wonder when Gordon Smith will sign up??

He's been trying to hitch his waggon to Obama's star for months in order to get re-elected. It's only a matter of time before he signs up.

[MissWaverly]

10. Even the Republicans want on the Obama ticket in November

What does that tell you, sounds like impending doom for the elephant herd. It's a good thing Bushco is gutting the endangered species list because the Republicans would be at the top.

:-)

[Stinky The Clown]

13. "the presidential candidate who represents the traditional conservatism"

I hope everyone keeps this in mind after he takes office.