McCain & Able Republicans vs. Obama’s Non-endorsee

The McCain Campaign apparently thought it prudent to capitalize on a defection in the Obama ranks and issued a release on the single Democrat defection against Obama. Was it a wise move? The McCain release is predicated on the Associated Press story that revealed Obama’s defector: Rep. Dan Boren of Oklahoma. Boren who claims to be a centrist Democrat, stated that

Barack Obama is “the most liberal senator” in Congress and he has no intention of endorsing him for the White House.

However, Boren will vote for Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August and will vote Democratic on Nov. 4.

Boren said his endorsement became a moot point when Clinton suspended her campaign, making Obama the presumed nominee. But he said it will be a historic moment for the nation when the party nominates Obama, who would be the first black president if elected.

“I celebrate it,” Boren said. “It’s a testament to the Democratic Party.”

However, as also noted by AP, “Boren’s father, former governor, one-time senator and current University of Oklahoma President David Boren, announced his support for Obama.” Jen Psaki, spokesperson for Obama’s campaign was quick to add, “Senator Obama appreciates the support of Dan Boren’s father.”

So I ask again, is this a good move by McCain? The McCain Campaign apparently thought so without respect to Senator McCain’s ”able” conservative bretheren. A small faction of Republican Congressmen found their way into the rag known as “The Hill.” As reported here, the new “Gang of 14″ Congressmen with the “(R)” after their name who have not or refuse to endorse McCain:

Republican members who have not endorsed or publicly backed McCain include Sens. Chuck Hagel (Neb.) and Jeff Sessions (Ala.) and Reps. Jones, Peterson, John Doolittle (Calif.), Randy Forbes (Va.), Wayne Gilchrest (Md.), Virgil Goode (Va.), Tim Murphy (Pa.), Ron Paul (Texas), Ted Poe (Texas), Todd Tiahrt (Kan.), Dave Weldon (Fla.) and Frank Wolf (Va.).

Apparently, unhappy with Sen. McCain’s participation in the Senate “Gang of 14″, the Hill noted even more defections. Number 15, Rep. Tom Tancredo, also refused to endorse McCain saying back in February of 2008, “I don’t like McCain. I don’t like him at all.” The Hill noted a dozen other Republican defectors in addition to the newest gang of 14. With Democrats holding a roughly 30 seat majority in the House, it means there is roughly 13% of the elected GOP who are known not to endorse McCain. Probably not a wise move on McCain’s part to attack Democrat defections.