OR-1: Haugen publicizes reasons for supporting Obama

First Congressional District nominee Joel Haugen (R-Scappoose) teamed up with Republicans for Obama Friday by posting his reasons for supporting Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama (D-Ill.), despite the fact that Haugen is a member of the Republican Party.

Haugen was banned from Republican events by local Republican officials because of his endorsement, and his latest statements may add to their displeasure. In that piece, Haugen says he supports Obama because he believes Obama would make a very good Republican.

"Republican presidents from Lincoln through Ford were strong advocates for equal rights, balancing labor and business, consumer protection, protecting the environment, a humble but vigorous foreign policy, promoting peace through strength, fiscal integrity. A traditional Republican would never condone torture or cruel and inhuman treatment of prisoners regardless of circumstances. I see Barack Obama in the same vein, although arguably even more inspirational," he wrote.

John Martin, grassroots director for Republicans for Obama, was enthusiastic about Haugen’s message and its affect on Oregon voters.

"The fact that Republicans in Oregon's 1st District nominated Joel Haugen over the establishment candidate is a sign that voters are increasingly rejecting the intense partisanship of the past 20 years,” Martin said.
“The leadership of both parties could learn a lot from Joel."

According to Haugen’s campaign manager Sarah Tiedemann, the Haugen campaign has received several batches of hate mail from betrayed Republicans after Haugen voiced his support for Obama on Fox News’ “O’Reilly Factor.” But, she says, the messages that Haugen has received after this latest message have been positive.

“He has more ‘Diggs’ than anyone else on the site,” Tiedemann said.

See Haugen’s work here.