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Boucher jumps into Obama's camp with endorsement

Published January 21st, 2008 | 2 Comments

U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher endorsed Democrat Barack Obama�s presidential bid Monday.
�He is our party`s most compelling candidate,� Boucher, D-9th, said of Obama in a conference call with reporters.

Boucher said Obama will be well received in rural America, and will carry Southwest Virginia�s Ninth Congressional District despite the fact that GOP President George W. Bush took 60 percent of the district�s vote in 2004.

Boucher said his office had been approached for an endorsement by representatives of the three Democratic presidential front runners � Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. The Abingdon Democrat said he based his endorsement decision on their debate performances and message. He added that he did not want to critique the other candidates.

�He has the broadest appeal of any of the candidates,� Boucher said of Obama. �His positive message and steadfast focus on the future inspire hope and enable him to attract support from Democrats, independents and Republicans in a way that no other candidate can. He presents our best opportunity to win the presidency and to govern effectively with bipartisan support from the Congress.

�His message and his personal style can bring unity to the country, and after eight years of the most bitter partisanship in memory those qualities are today essential. Senator Obama has them in a way that no other candidate does.�

Boucher emphasized that Obama understands rural areas like Southwest Virginia.

�From advancing rural economic development and job creation to promoting agriculture, spreading the availability of high-speed Internet access, reinvesting in our critical water and waste water infrastructures and facilitating greater access to affordable health care, Senator Obama has demonstrated a determination to meet rural needs,� Boucher said.

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Are you sure Mr. Collier, By your posts seems like you swing way left. Seems like you should be saying "Hillary 08". I'll pray for you.

jim morrison | 1/21/2008 - 11:45 PM - ( Comment

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I guess he needs to jump out of the picture, Wonder what job he has in mind for supporting Him ????

Tracy Farmer | 1/21/2008 - 8:14 PM - ( Comment

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