King: ‘Change has become a cliché, but we really do need it’

Angus King: Former Gov. Angus King endorses Barack Obama in Lewiston Friday. Politicker photo.LEWISTON -- Playing on the message that Barack Obama has appeal beyond the party base, former Gov. Angus King, an independent, endorsed the Democratic Presidential candidate this morning.

Also endorsing was state Rep. Richard Woodbury, an independent from Yarmouth.

King, who served two terms as Governor from 1995 to 2002, said that he has traditionally voted for both Democrats and Republicans.

In 2000 he supported current President Bush, a Republican. Upset with the way Bush led the country, King said he then supported Democrat John Kerry in 2004.

At the beginning of this election cycle, he narrowed it down to two candidates, Obama and Republican John McCain -- both became their respective parties’ nominees.

“Barack Obama has drawn in my enthusiasm, and John McCain has diminished,” King said. “I have to say, for the first time in my adult life, I am absolutely for somebody, not against somebody.”

A recent criticism of the McCain campaign toward Obama is that the Democrat has no executive experience. King said that the way Obama has handled his campaign gave him this experience.

“He has shown intelligence, intellect, coolness under intense pressure and good judgment,” King said.

He noted the theme of “change” at the Republican National Convention, and said McCain has moved away from this very concept, noting “the hierarchy on his campaign of Washington lobbyists” and the “same people, party and policies as the current administration.”

King said he is disappointed in McCain for the negative tone his campaign has taken on.

“Change has become a cliché, but we really do need it,” King said.

Former Sen. George Mitchell also spoke. He told about growing up in Maine and how his father was a janitor.

“Barack Obama also comes from a humble background,” Mitchell said. “He knows how to create opportunities for working Americans.”

In his endorsement, Woodbury said that independents make up the largest voting bloc in Maine, outnumbering both Democrats and Republicans.

“I’m one of them,” Woodbury said. “I’m also an enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama for President.”