Republicans joining the Obama-backing bandwagon in droves

Washington, Oct 25 : In what is being described as an after-affect of former Secretary of State Colin Powell committing his support for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, a large number of Republican moderates, neo-cons and former aides to President Bush who have announced that they will vote for Democrat Barack Obama.

Powell had last week crossed party lines to announce his support for Barack Obama.

Former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, who on Friday joined the growing list of Republicans endorsing Obama's candidature, said: "Sen. Obama is once-in-a-lifetime candidate who will transform our politics and restore America's standing in the world."

"We need a President who will lead based on our common values and Sen. Obama demonstrates an ability to unite and inspire," the Daily News quoted him as saying.

Weld, who tanked in his 2006 New York gubernatorial bid, jumped ship on his party a day after former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said he also would back Obama.

ANI