Conventioneers in Charlotte listening to Charlie Crist may have thought they have some kind of monopoly on high-profile Americans who became so disenchanted with their party that they switched.
They do not, and the Romney for President folks want the world to know.
The Mitt Romney campaign on Friday announced its Former Obama Supporters and Democrats National Leadership. This is a team that will lead a group of former Obama supporters and Democrats now supporting Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan. Voters across the country can sign the petition at http://www.mittromney.com/forms/i-switched-to-mitt.
Former Obama Supporters and Democrats National Leadership includes the following:
- Barney Bishop Former Executive Director of the Florida Democratic Party
- Greg Anthony Former NBA Player
- Ashley Bell Hall County (Georgia) Commissioner
- Artur Davis Former U.S. Congressman
- Jane Edmonds Former Massachusetts Secretary of Workforce Development
On the team, notice, is Florida's own Barney Bishop. The former executive director of the Florida Democratic Party announced right here in the July 13 edition of Sunshine State News that, even though he is a lifelong Democrat, he cannot and will not support Barack Obama's re-election.
Im a lifelong Democrat, but this election is too important to simply be about political parties, Bishop wrote in a guest column. President Obamas policies over the past four years have failed to deliver on his campaign promises. Our country needs a new direction and proven leadership. Mitt Romney has demonstrated throughout his life that he is a leader capable of accomplishing extraordinary things.
"While serving as governor of Massachusetts, he worked with Democrats to balance the budget without raising taxes. At a moment when Americans are looking for someone who will offer practical solutions, his experience turning around troubled situations, in both the public and private sector, uniquely qualifies him for the White House at this critical moment.
Mitt Romney said this as his campaign announced the new National Leadership team: Four years ago, Barack Obama inspired millions of Americans with his words. He promised to bring hope and change, and he promised to be a president who would bring us together and end the partisan bickering in Washington.
"Now, four years later, Americans are still waiting for change, and they are quickly losing hope. Change we can believe in has become disappointment and disillusionment. But while the American people have lost faith in President Obama, they have not lost faith in America. I am proud to have these Democrats and former Obama supporters with me as I work to restore this country to prosperity. I hope that every American, regardless of party affiliation, will join us in that effort.
Former NBA star Greg Anthony said this: In 2008, I, like so many other Americans, believed that President Obama had the plan to bring the hope and change he promised. I supported him then, and I am disappointed now. President Obama presented himself as a different kind of politician, but all we've seen from him is politics as usual in Washington. If we are going to turn this around, we need a turn-around specialist, not a politician. We need Mitt Romney, and I am proud to support him.
Hall County (Georgia) Commissioner Ashley Bell said this: Four years ago, I supported President Obama. When he campaigned then, he promised to restore fiscal responsibility to Washington. He decried massive amounts of debt as unpatriotic. His message of uniting all Americans -- it didnt matter if they were Democrats, independents, or Republicans -- was an inspiring one. Unfortunately, his first term has been nothing short of a fiscal disaster. This week, the national debt surpassed $16 trillion. Meanwhile, 23 million people around the country find themselves struggling for work. We cannot continue down this course. We need new leadership in the White House. Mitt Romney has the experience and the vision to get our fiscal house in order and revive our economy.
Congressman Artur Davis said this: Four years ago, as a Democratic congressman, I seconded Barack Obamas nomination for president. Since then, I have joined the Republican Party and last week, I took the stage in Tampa at the Republican National Convention to urge the election of Mitt Romney.
"I've seen enough from an administration that has run out of ideas to turn our economy around, that has no real solutions beyond raising taxes and growing government, and that has provided the most ideological presidency in my lifetime. The Obama White House and the Democratic Party are wrong on the issues of the day, and Mitt Romney is right. Governor Romney will reverse the flailing policies of the team in the White House.
Former Massachusetts Secretary of Workforce Development Jane Edmonds said this: I am a Democrat and a proud liberal. In 2008, I supported Barack Obama. But in times like these, if we are to overcome the challenges before us, we need Mitt Romney. I served with Governor Romney as secretary for the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development. As a member of Mitt Romneys cabinet, I saw firsthand the kind of dedication and commitment he brings to every problem that comes before him, and I know he will do the same as president of the United States.
Reach Nancy Smith at nsmith@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
