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'The Powell Effect': More Republicans defecting to endorse Barack
Obama


By RICHARD SISK
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Friday, October 24th 2008, 12:09 PM
Gov. Bill Weld B. Smith for News

Gov. Bill Weld

WASHINGTON - The Democrats are calling it the "Powell effect."

Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld Friday joined the growing list of
Republican  moderates, neo-cons and former aides to President Bush who
have announced that they will vote for Democrat Barack Obama.
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"Sen. Obama is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate who will transform our
politics and restore America's standing in the world," Weld said in a
statement. "We need a President who will lead based on our common
values and Sen. Obama demonstrates an ability to unite and inspire."

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.
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Former Gov. Arne Carlson (R-Minn.) echoed other defectors in an op-ed
piece citing the Obama endorsement by retired Gen. Colin Powell,
President Bush's first secretary of State, as the key factor in his
own decision to support the Democrat.

A Dem operative noted the "Powell effect" in spurring other additions
to the GOP crossover list, including former Bush adviser and prominent
neo-conservative Ken Adelman.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/10/24/2008-10-24_the_powell_effect_more_republicans_defec.html