Republican former governor endorses Obama RAW STORY

Published: Friday October 24, 2008





Print This Email This Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld, a Republican, plans to endorse Barack Obama for president Friday, The Associated Press reports.



Weld becomes at least the third prominent Republican this week to endorse the Democratic presidential candidate. Former Bush administration Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Obama Sunday, and former spokesman Scott McClellan threw his support behind Obama Thursday.



AP reports: "Senator Obama is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate who will transform our politics and restore America's standing in the world," Weld said in a statement released Friday. "We need a president who will lead based on our common values and Senator Obama demonstrates an ability to unite and inspire.



"Throughout this campaign I've watched his steady leadership through trying times and I'm confident he is the best candidate to move our country forward," Weld said.



Weld planned to hold a news conference at Obama's campaign office in Salem at 11 a.m.



At least two dozen prominent Republicans -- former members of Congress, governors, government officials, academics and columnists -- have endorsed Obama's candidacy, according to a running tally at RepublicansForObama.org.



Weld was governor of Massachusetts from 1991 to '97 after being appointed by former President Ronald Reagan to be the state's US Attorney. Earlier this year he had endorsed Mitt Romney, another former governor of his state, during the Republican primary campaign.



On Friday, Obama also scored the endorsement of Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, an independent who has been credited with crime reductions in LA and New York. Bratton recorded an automated phone message on behalf of the campaign for voters in swing states.





This video is from MSNBC's Hardball, broadcast October 24, 2008.









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