Republicans for Obama gather in State Capital Rotunda

Intro: While Republicans for Obama gathered in the Missouri State Capitol, Missouri Republican Party spokesman doubts the organization will have an impact.

Abigail Grimmett (GRIM-MITT)has more with this story.

RunTime:0:12
OutCue: SOC

Tina Hervey, spokeswoman for the Missouri Republican Party says they are not taking the organization seriously because of its low membership. The group had 3 members present at their first meeting Thursday. Former Iowa Congressman and Republican Jim Leach spoke at the event on behalf of the organization. Hervey said Republicans have questioned Leach's party loyalty in the past because of his moderate to liberal voting record, whereas McCain has a message that resignates with all Republicans.

Actuality: TINA1.WAV

Run Time: 00:12

Description: He kept his foot in the party and crossed lines to pull two people together to come to a conclusion. Congressman Leach on the other hand walked away from the principles Republicans hold dear.

Leach says the organization has members around the state and the group plans to begin traveling around Missouri to encourage undecided voters to support Obama.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Abigail Grimmett.

Intro: Former Iowa Congressman and Republican Jim Leach reached out to undecided Missouri voters at the state capital Thursday in an attempt to rally them behind Barack Obama. Abigail Grimmett (GRIMM-IT) has more from the rotunda of the State Capitol. RunTime:0:00
OutCue: SOC Leach, who also spoke at the Democratic Convention in Denver, stressed the election is not about party alignment but rather a crusade for change. State Auditor and head of Obama's campaign in Missouri Susan Montee attended the conference along with Obama supporter Matthew Ousley, a Republican turned Obama supporter after losing a friend in Iraq. Leach, who was regarded as an expert on foreign policy during his tenure in Congress,focused on Obama's foreign policy, adding Obama is an ideal choice for voters who may be lost between the party divide.

Actuality: LEACH1.WAV

Run Time: 00:09

Description: Both parties have moved to the edges and so if you say what is the great underrepresented group? It is the great American middle.

Leach acknowledged McCain had more experience than Obama but said it is the time for wisdom in Washington, which he says Barack Obama can provide.
Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Abigail Grimmett.