What Republicans say about Obama

Endorsements:
Jim Leach, Former Republican Congressman from Iowa

The change Barack Obama is advocating is far more than a break with today's politics. It is a clarion call for renewal rooted in time-tested American values that tap Republican, as well as Democratic traditions. There's no doubt that John McCain has served in Congress longer than Barack Obama. But it's important to look at judgment over experience and I am impressed by Barack's judgment."

Lincoln Chafee, Former Republican Senator from Rhode Island

I believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to restore American credibility, to restore our confidence to be moral and to bring people together to solve the complex issues such as the economy, the environment and global stability

Jim Whitaker, Republican mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska

Whitaker, a former state lawmaker, said a comparison of Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain — neither of whom he has personally met — leads him to believe Obama has the stronger “intellectual capacity” and a greater ability to manifest it.

Whitaker, who as a politician has often focused on energy issues, said he sensed an open-minded approach in Obama’s campaign toward traditional, alternative and renewable energy issues that can benefit resource-rich Alaska.

Susan Eisenhower, International security consultant and daughter of Dwight Eisenhower

I am convinced that Barack Obama is the one presidential candidate today who can encourage ordinary Americans to stand straight again; he is a man who can salve our national wounds and both inspire and pursue genuine bipartisan cooperation. Just as important, Obama can assure the world and Americans that this great nation’s impulses are still free, open, fair and broad-minded.

Other praise:
McCain advisor Mark McKinnon quits campaign rather than oppose Obama

While saying that he does not agree with Obama on every issue, McKinnon gushed about the Illinois Democrat.
"I met Barack Obama, I read his book, I like him a great deal," said McKinnon. "I disagree with him on very fundamental issues. But I think, as I said, I think it would a great race for the country."

McCain delegate Kirk Dilliard supports Obama's bipartisan State Senate record

Sen. Obama worked on some of the deepest issues we had, and he was successful in a bipartisan way. Republican legislators respected Sen. Obama. His negotiation skills and an ability to understand both sides would serve the country very well.

None of my colleagues who admired Obama will return the reporters’ phone calls, and that’s the problem with this country. No one is willing to say something nice for 10 seconds about someone of a different race, party and location.