Ex Iowa Congressman Endorses Obama

In a bit of local news, Barack Obama picked up the endorsement of Jim Leach last week. Leach, a former congressman from Iowa and Republican announced his support of Obama. Leach is one of a group of Republicans supporting Obama with their Republicans for Obama group. The move for those like Leach and former Senator Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island mark an interesting phenomenon this election. It must be said that the two men were moderate to liberal Republicans when they served, but what has driven some to switch to Obama? His ideas and policies seem to run antithetical to what Republicans stand for. Leach apparently appreciates Obama's non-ideological approach and his sense of bi-partisanship. The reality seems to counter the fantasy world that these people inhabit. Obama is a typical liberal and his future policies depict this reality. People may want change but becoming mesmerized by messianic figures is not the answer.
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McCain Considered Abandoning Ship

John McCain has had to fight the label that he was a liberal or not in tune with conservatives. Speculation had it that McCain had considered leaving the Republican party back in 2001. Bob Cusack, a writer for The Hill newspaper, wrote about McCain's flirtation with leaving the GOP. Cusack talks about the meeting between Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) and former Rep. Tom Downey (D-NY) and McCain's chief political strategist. This was at a time when Democrats were trying to recruit Republicans to leave their party. Targets included Lincoln Chaffee, Republican Senator from Rhode Island, and Senator Jim Jeffords of Vermont who became an Independent. In McCain's case it was apparently initiated from his end by his chief political strategist, John Weaver. McCain was apparently upset after his 2000 loss to George W. Bush in the Republican primary. McCain has denied any such reports that he was close to leaving the Republican party. Individuals like Daschle stand by their claims that such meetings did occur, Daschle even included it into his book. McCain has remained dubious to conservatives who have disagreed with him on many issues and his associations with Democrats, especially in regards to immigration and campaign finance reform. The year is now 2008 and John McCain is seeking the Republican nomination again. This time it looks as if his wish will come true as he leads in the polls and appears to have the Super Tuesday momentum. Conservatives are still wary of McCain and have made it known, especially radio talk show hosts like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. For Republicans it may come down to the choice of lesser of two evils in November, and whether they want to remain in power or hold on to their principles.
Read the original Cusack article from The Hill newspaper, http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/democrats-say-mccain-nearly-abandoned-gop-2007-03-28.html