(9-19-08) "McCain Wins Endorsement of Democrat" (WSJ) **NEW LATINO LEADER ENDORSEMENT**

[writerchick]

As Barack Obama and John McCain battle for the Hispanic vote, a leading Latino backer of Hillary Clinton is crossing party lines to support the Republican presidential nominee.

In an interview Thursday, Miguel D. Lausell, a Puerto Rican businessman and longtime Democratic activist and fund-raiser, came out for Sen. McCain. While he said he doesn't agree with all the policy positions of the Republican candidate and his running mate, Sarah Palin, Mr. Lausell added: "I find McCain to be a sound person and a man with a track record. I know where he is coming from." Mr. Lausell had been a major backer of Bill Clinton and served as a senior political adviser to Sen. Clinton's unsuccessful bid this year for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Mr. Lausell said he feels Sen. Obama "doesn't really regard the Hispanic community as important." Sen. Clinton won a large majority of the Hispanic vote in most primaries, and Latino voters are an important bloc in swing states such as Florida, Nevada and New Mexico. Most polls show Sen. Obama leads Sen. McCain among Latinos.

Mr. Lausell said that as a "lifelong Democrat," this is the first time he has supported a Republican presidential candidate. A Harvard Law School graduate, Mr. Lausell's business career has included a stint as chief executive of the Puerto Rico Telephone Co. and chairman of PonceBank, a large Puerto Rican financial institution. Mr. Lausell once had a position with the Democratic National Committee and served on a national finance board for Al Gore's unsuccessful 2000 presidential run. In 2004, he helped start a nonprofit aimed at boosting Latino turnout for Democrats.

Sen. Clinton, for her part, has firmly come out for Sen. Obama and asked her supporters to do the same. While many of her biggest backers have gotten on the Obama bandwagon, numerous others have held back and some have been looking to support Sen. Obama's general-election opponent. Earlier this week, another prominent Clinton supporter, Lynn Forester de Rothschild, declared for the Republican nominee. Other former Clinton backers may be declaring for Sen. McCain in the days ahead, according to someone familiar with the situation.

Public-opinion polls in recent weeks also show that a potentially significant minority of Clinton voters from the primaries still haven't decided whether to vote for Sen. Obama. If the Democratic nominee loses a large number of Clinton voters, it could prove crucial in a close presidential race.

A spokesman for Sen. Obama declined to comment on the move of some Clinton backers to the McCain camp. In recent weeks, the Obama campaign has touted the endorsements of current and former Republican officeholders, including Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland, former Iowa Rep. Jim Leach and former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee.

Mr. Lausell cited several objections he has with Sen. Obama. "The U.S. is in a very difficult situation these days and I don't want someone without experience at the helm," he said. Mr. Lausell said he likes Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, but felt that if Sen. Obama was going to reach inside of Washington for a vice presidential running mate, he should have chosen Sen. Clinton, "who received 18 million votes" during the presidential primaries.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122179087917055511.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

[mjno7777]

Great news. And that is exactly why Democrats are crossing party lines.

[Hoosier]

Great news. Keep 'em coming.

[Jen the Michigander]

Remember a few weeks ago when Greta Van Susteran's husband endorsed McCain and said that there would be other prominent Hillary backers going over to McCain? We're seeing this now.

I wonder who's next?

[Horizon]

Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland, former Iowa Rep. Jim Leach and former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee.
Never heard of any of these guys.Bigger names are going to McCain it seems.

[xfiles]

Bill? :)

[pagirl4sarah&hillary]

This is great for McCain. In addition, I like Hillary's supporters sending their message to the party. He is right when he says that Obama does not regard the hispanic community as important. Good for him, I hope we see some more in the following weeks :)

[Peppermint Patty]

And yesterday we had Lynn Rothschild... I think the secure money backers don't give a hoot who they offend in the DNC. They at least are standing their ground and saying what I'm sure a lot of super delegates wish they'd had the backbone to say/do!

[Kbentleyis]

YESSSSSSS! I knew, what since back in June, that our Latino friends would NOT support BHO. In my heart of hearts... I knew it. God Bless every Jew and Latino, and Lady Rothschild and Donald Trump, for crossing the line! Bless others too, I just want to emphasize them for a moment.

I am happy happy happy! I'll sleep good.

See, I've been doubting these polls; and doubting them. I may be confined to my house, but I've received good news from the steel workers and their friends and families.

Did I say I was happy?

[writerchick]

Other former Clinton backers may be declaring for Sen. McCain in the days ahead, according to someone familiar with the situation.

Yes, who is next? :D:p

[Annie]

Remember a few weeks ago when Greta Van Susteran's husband endorsed McCain and said that there would be other prominent Hillary backers going over to McCain? We're seeing this now.

I wonder who's next?

Trump was on Hannity tonight..... definitely for John McCain - said he would be an excellent president.... said John McCain is extremely intelligent and a good guy who had been attacked by obama and called dishonorable.... Trump said there is one thing about McCain - he is honorable and loves America.... stuff like that.....he was very glad also that the maverick picked Sarah Palin.... a good choice..... He also spoke up for Hillary Clinton saying he didn't understand why she didn't get the nomination she obviously got 50% of the votes.....etc.etc. He said he thinks a lot of Bill and Hillary Clinton also.

But he is definitely for McCain - said he would be a very good President for America in these times.

[writerchick]

Trump was on Hannity tonight.

Trump endorsed McCain officially on Larry King tonight. :)

[CountryFirst]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122179087917055511.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Bueno :)

[Annie]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122179087917055511.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

"In an interview Thursday, Miguel D. Lausell, a Puerto Rican businessman and longtime Democratic activist and fund-raiser, came out for Sen. McCain. While he said he doesn't agree with all the policy positions of the Republican candidate and his running mate, Sarah Palin, Mr. Lausell added: "I find McCain to be a sound person and a man with a track record. I know where he is coming from"

And that says it all.... Let's keep a list:

1. John Coale http://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/greta-van-susterns-husband-endorses-mccain-john-coale-top-hillary-supporter-john-coale-endorses-john-mccain/

2. Donald Trump

3. Lynn Forrester de Rothschild

4. Miguel D. Lausell

[CCClinton]

It would help if some brave Democrat politicians crossed party lines. McCain's been getting back-stabbed by glory/pork hogs like Hagel, Gilchrest and Chaffee.

[hobbitt]

Never heard of any of these guys.Bigger names are going to McCain it seems.

Losers. Really.

Lincoln Chaffee was a Republican, one term. Endorsed Obama early on, switched to "Independent." (McCain campaigned for him, Obama campaigned for the other guy).


Jim Leach - Iowa - once a Republican, endorsed O early on. Lost his bid for re-election.

Wayne Gilchrest - Republican - lost bid for reelection (in the primary).


Wonder what the O person promised them????

(And how soon before they are gazing upward at the Big Wheels of The Bus?)

[lynfreedom]

Hope this will get some of the latino votes to turn around.

[Kathy1980]

This endorsement should help a lot!! Great News!!!:D

[Rainsford]

Never heard of any of these guys.Bigger names are going to McCain it seems.

Most of them were RINOs anyways, which is why no one cares. In fact, one of them came out saying that, had he been reelected in 2006, he would have changed to a Democrat by now. The fact that you have lifelong Democrats who aren't changing affiliation comming out for McCain is a pretty big deal, and I'm happy the Rothchild story got so much play. Hope this guy does the news circuit tomorrow to give the media somthing to talk about over the weekend, especially if the stock market stays up!

[Ace]

Good news.

[freethinker]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122179087917055511.html

As Barack Obama and John McCain battle for the Hispanic vote, a leading Latino backer of Hillary Clinton is crossing party lines to support the Republican presidential nominee.

In an interview Thursday, Miguel D. Lausell, a Puerto Rican businessman and longtime Democratic activist and fund-raiser, came out for Sen. McCain. While he said he doesn't agree with all the policy positions of the Republican candidate and his running mate, Sarah Palin, Mr. Lausell added: "I find McCain to be a sound person and a man with a track record. I know where he is coming from." Mr. Lausell had been a major backer of Bill Clinton and served as a senior political adviser to Sen. Clinton's unsuccessful bid this year for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Mr. Lausell said he feels Sen. Obama "doesn't really regard the Hispanic community as important." Sen. Clinton won a large majority of the Hispanic vote in most primaries, and Latino voters are an important bloc in swing states such as Florida, Nevada and New Mexico. Most polls show Sen. Obama leads Sen. McCain among Latinos.

Mr. Lausell said that as a "lifelong Democrat," this is the first time he has supported a Republican presidential candidate. A Harvard Law School graduate, Mr. Lausell's business career has included a stint as chief executive of the Puerto Rico Telephone Co. and chairman of PonceBank, a large Puerto Rican financial institution. Mr. Lausell once had a position with the Democratic National Committee and served on a national finance board for Al Gore's unsuccessful 2000 presidential run. In 2004, he helped start a nonprofit aimed at boosting Latino turnout for Democrats.

Sen. Clinton, for her part, has firmly come out for Sen. Obama and asked her supporters to do the same. While many of her biggest backers have gotten on the Obama bandwagon, numerous others have held back and some have been looking to support Sen. Obama's general-election opponent. Earlier this week, another prominent Clinton supporter, Lynn Forester de Rothschild, declared for the Republican nominee. Other former Clinton backers may be declaring for Sen. McCain in the days ahead, according to someone familiar with the situation.

Public-opinion polls in recent weeks also show that a potentially significant minority of Clinton voters from the primaries still haven't decided whether to vote for Sen. Obama. If the Democratic nominee loses a large number of Clinton voters, it could prove crucial in a close presidential race.

A spokesman for Sen. Obama declined to comment on the move of some Clinton backers to the McCain camp. In recent weeks, the Obama campaign has touted the endorsements of current and former Republican officeholders, including Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland, former Iowa Rep. Jim Leach and former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee.

Mr. Lausell cited several objections he has with Sen. Obama. "The U.S. is in a very difficult situation these days and I don't want someone without experience at the helm," he said. Mr. Lausell said he likes Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, but felt that if Sen. Obama was going to reach inside of Washington for a vice presidential running mate, he should have chosen Sen. Clinton, "who received 18 million votes" during the presidential primaries.

[foxyladi]

hoorah!!!!! the more the merrier :D:D:D

[HumbleDave]

Mr. Lausell said he feels Sen. Obama "doesn't really regard the Hispanic community as important."

Mr. Obama doesn't consider anyone but himself important. He's already proven his willingness to use and abuse anyone it takes to win this election, both stateside and globally.

[wasGOPnowInd]

My sense is that, like the way the Obama camp did with the SD announcements, the McCain camp has worked with these folks to announce these endorsements in a carefully timed manner.

Well done!

[GaGirl]

The comment that he doesn't agree with all the policy positions of the Republican party is an important point because it dismisses the argument used by the Dems for why a Hillary supporter should not vote for McCain because McCain doesn't support the same policies.

Hillary is more like McCain in experience and character and love of country.

This may be a very "bi-partisan" election. There will be many life long Dems voting for the other party.

[endodoc79]

A very important endorsement here in NYC where we have a large Puerto Rican population. Many of these people were considering staying home and not voting. The fact that a prominent member of their community has come out for McCain- (but actually the statement is NObama)- should convince Puerto Rican voters that it is OK to vote Republican this time- because McCain is preferable to the other guy.

[Bacio83]

Is it me... or does McCain have a Reagan theme running through this Mother?

I love it!

[Centipede]

Other former Clinton backers may be declaring for Sen. McCain in the days ahead, according to someone familiar with the situation.


I suspect that others will come forward now that Rothschild came out.

[Brooke]

*does a happy dance around the room*

[ragdoll]

At last, some good news this morning. I have read so many negative articles this morning , I was starting to feel sick. Back to work!

[writerchick]

There's another thread on this, merge baby!

[Laura Cereta]

Public-opinion polls in recent weeks also show that a potentially significant minority of Clinton voters from the primaries still haven't decided whether to vote for Sen. Obama. If the Democratic nominee loses a large number of Clinton voters, it could prove crucial in a close presidential race.



Good! And welcome to the party, Mr. Lausell. How does it feel to be a PUMA? ;) Thank you for your endorsement; it shows wisdom, integrity, and a love of country.

[Christines]

Let's share this in states with a high Hispanic vote.

[Bad Kitty]

Go MAC Go!

[Joe from WI]

Most of them were RINOs anyways, which is why no one cares. In fact, one of them came out saying that, had he been reelected in 2006, he would have changed to a Democrat by now. The fact that you have lifelong Democrats who aren't changing affiliation comming out for McCain is a pretty big deal, and I'm happy the Rothchild story got so much play. Hope this guy does the news circuit tomorrow to give the media somthing to talk about over the weekend, especially if the stock market stays up!


Life long and prominent dems going over to Mccain proves to us amongst other things : Mccain can reach accross the aisle, and create partisan cooperation. This is living proof.

[encarn]

Bill's "Candidate Y" strikes again!

Go Johnny!

[Agent 00½ FL]

If we could get an endorsement a day that would be wonderful. :)

[B positive]

Great news. And that is exactly why Democrats are crossing party lines.

Thank you to the lastest Democrat Maverick: Miguel D. Lausell !!!!

[deniseds]

Way to go Miguel Lausell another PUMA to add to the list.

McCain/Palin 08

[foxyladi]

Great news. And that is exactly why Democrats are crossing party lines.

great news yipee!!!!!:cool:

[Horizon]

I suspect that others will come forward now that Rothschild came out.

I am not sure how to word this.The term "Came out",strikes me as funny.Like coming out of the closet.Now it doesn't mean you are gay,but that you have some form of a brain!

[Suzan]

This is Karma. Remember how the Supers began to "drift" to Obama? Now Hillary Super-Supporters are drifting to McCain. I love it!

Good quote:

Public-opinion polls in recent weeks also show that a potentially significant minority of Clinton voters from the primaries still haven't decided whether to vote for Sen. Obama. If the Democratic nominee loses a large number of Clinton voters, it could prove crucial in a close presidential race.

[nette60]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122179087917055511.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Wayne Gilchrest has just lost his seat and is very vindictive. He was never a true Republican anyway the people booted him out because he was a flake.

[mjoynaples]

I know he is independent now too.... this is great news!!!

[freethinker]

bumping for evening news junkies!

:)

[Hillicrat]

"In an interview Thursday, Miguel D. Lausell, a Puerto Rican businessman and longtime Democratic activist and fund-raiser, came out for Sen. McCain. While he said he doesn't agree with all the policy positions of the Republican candidate and his running mate, Sarah Palin, Mr. Lausell added: "I find McCain to be a sound person and a man with a track record. I know where he is coming from"

And that says it all.... Let's keep a list:

1. John Coale http://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/greta-van-susterns-husband-endorses-mccain-john-coale-top-hillary-supporter-john-coale-endorses-john-mccain/

2. Donald Trump

3. Lynn Forrester de Rothschild

4. Miguel D. Lausell

Exactly what I was thinking...keep a list. BTW, I am so disallusioned with democrats that I am almost ready to vote straight republican.

[Annie]

My sense is that, like the way the Obama camp did with the SD announcements, the McCain camp has worked with these folks to announce these endorsements in a carefully timed manner.

Well done!

Trump did say McCain was a very smart man and a Patriot. We all know what that means... by the way Trump himself is quite brilliant - no fool he.

[Annie]

Exactly what I was thinking...keep a list. BTW, I am so disallusioned with democrats that I am almost ready to vote straight republican.

Here is today's add on for the list: Let's get one up officially.... :D

1. John Coale http://citizenwells.wordpress.com/20...s-john-mccain/

2. Donald Trump

3. Lynn Forrester de Rothschild

4. Miguel D. Lausell*

5. Luchy Secaira*
(*Both Lausell and Secaira are active Democratic political organizers in the Latino community - now for McCain.)

6.................... who is next.....?

[Hillarysmygirl08]

Hillary's brothers

[xfiles]

I think I saw another person who switched on another thread. Can't find it at the moment.

Here is today's add on for the list: Let's get one up officially.... :D

1. John Coale http://citizenwells.wordpress.com/20...s-john-mccain/

2. Donald Trump

3. Lynn Forrester de Rothschild

4. Miguel D. Lausell*

5. Luchy Secaira*
(*Both Lausell and Secaira are active Democratic political organizers in the Latino community - now for McCain.)

6.................... who is next.....?

[samkm]

DIGG: http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/McCain_Wins_Endorsement_of_Hispanic_Democrat