AP: Jim Leach (R) to speak at DNC

[Perky]

Republican gets speaking slot at Dem convention


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: August 24, 2008
Filed at 4:11 p.m. ET

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Former Iowa Rep. Jim Leach, a leading Republican moderate, is taking his endorsement of Barack Obama a step further by giving an opening-night speech at the Democratic convention.

Leach broke ranks with the GOP and endorsed the Democrats' presidential nominee-to-be earlier this month. Leach is scheduled to speak at the convention in Denver on Monday night.

Obama spokesman Brad Anderson says Leach's move shows Obama can appeal beyond the Democratic Party establishment. Tucker Bounds, a spokesman for Republican John McCain's campaign, says Leach is backing a failing agenda by putting his support behind Obama.

Leach was first elected to Congress in 1976 and represented eastern Iowa for 30 years before losing his 2006 re-election bid to Democrat Dave Loebsack.

[Colobo]

1. Nice.

[babylonsister]

2. Wow! He's putting his money where his mouth is; this is great! nt

[MarjorieG]

4. He was wonderfully thoughtful on Hardball, with Rita (Hauser ?), about the past and present GOP

[BlueManDude]

3. This is actually a much bigger deal than Lieberman speaking at GOP conv.

[samsingh]

7. take that lieberman you asshole.

[samsingh]

8. take that lieberman you asshole.

[Ichingcarpenter]

10. I don't think you said that enough times-take that lieberman you asshole.

Let me help





take that lieberman you asshole.

[samsingh]

11. thanks

[samsingh]

9. if lieberman is not selected as running mate for mccain's corrupt

run, lieberman's influence is going to disappear in short order

and we don't want him back.

[Peacetrain]

5. Iowa, strikes again

:) We love our Obama....

[ncrainbowgrrl]

6. Very Cool.

Thanks for sharing this...

[janx]

12. kick