Former (IA) Republican congressman endorses Obama's bid

[rndmprsn]

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hqkjNHWd0rWEo9grv82CtNFFa6nwD92GV4M00

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A leading Republican moderate with a foreign policy background endorsed presidential candidate Barack Obama on Tuesday as the Democrat sought to show his appeal to members of both political parties.

Former Rep. Jim Leach of Iowa was among Republicans the Obama campaign said were crossing party lines to support Obama. The Illinois senator's campaign said he was also being backed by the Republican mayor of Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, Jim Whitaker. The campaign did not release the names of other GOP supporters or the size of the group.

"I'm convinced that the national interest demands a new approach to our interaction with the world," Leach, a foreign service officer before being elected to Congress, said in a conference call with reporters.

Leach predicted that many Republicans and independents would be attracted by Obama's campaign but said his decision to endorse a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time wasn't easy.

[Frustratedlady]

1. Whoa! That's a major surprise!

Leach is very serious about his choices and I'm sure this administration has been tearing him up. I'm glad to see this crossover. I'm sure it was difficult for him, but I'll also bet he brings a lot of other Republicans with him.

[Hope And Change]

2. K & R!