Republican Jim Leach: Hagel Good Obama Veep

Update 8-13: It won't be Chuck Hagel
Sen. Chuck Hagel would be a brilliant vice presidential choice. Now that's change. Choosing Hagel would illustrate Obama's intentions to get things accomplished in Washington, regardless of party affiliation.

CNN writes that Hagel's opposition to abortion and gay marriage may offend democrats. Hmmmm.

Aren't those just personal opinions? What Obama needs is someone who will help him govern. Abortion and gay rights are traditional wedge issues meant to divide people. This country has more serious problems. 

I'm tired of the two extremes on the left and right.

CNN: Speaking on a conference call with reporters to announce a new effort among Republicans in support of Obama's candidacy, Leach said he thought Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel should join the Democratic ticket.

"There are a number of impressive potential vice presidential candidates and this is a singular decision for one person, and that is Barack Obama," Leach said. "But personally I'd be hopeful in the list of serious candidates to be considered would be Chuck Hagel, whether it be for the veep position or a serious position in an Obama administration."

Listen to Republicans for Obama endorsing Obama's foreign policy.
Hagel on Iraq. He said the next president needs to enhance alliances around the world.

Republicans For Obama Uniting

Update: 8-12, Republicans crossover. Welcome!

MSNBC: The three Republicans -- former Iowa Rep. Jim Leach (who formally endorsed Obama today), former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee, and former White House intelligence advisor Rita E. Hauser -- announced the formation of "Republicans for Obama," which will launch a Web site in the coming days that will be a clearinghouse of information for Republicans who want to learn more about the Illinois Democrat. The site will highlight the differences between Obama and McCain on the issues and let them know where they can go to see the candidate and how they can help in his election effort.

"From my perspective, this is simply not a time for politics as usual," said Leach, arguing that the portfolio of issues that will be passed on to the next president would be as daunting as any since World War II and would therefore require "inspiring, new, political leadership" and the kind of change he believes Obama's platform offers.

Hillary's crew won't unite but Republicans for Obama are. 
The group plans to launch a website this week.

NYT: Led by a former Bush fund-raiser and a former U.S. Senator who bolted the G.O.P. several years ago, a group of current and former Republicans disenchanted with Senator John McCain and supportive of Senator Barack Obama are banding together to start a “Republicans for Obama” effort.

Rita Hauser, a New York philanthropist who raised money for both George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, is helping to organize the push to draw Republicans away from Mr. McCain and will serve as a spokeswoman for the group, alongside former U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee, of Rhode Island, who was one of the most moderate Republicans in the Senate and became an independent after he lost his seat in 2006.