McCain Supporter Borling Endorses Democrat Robert Abboud for Congress over Don Manzullo

In what has to be one of the more stunning endorsements of the year, 16th congressional district John McCain convention delegate John Borling has endorsed the Democratic Party challenger of long time Republican incumbent Don Manzullo.

Since Borling ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign against Manzullo two years ago, his lack of respect for Manzullo is not a surprise. Borling also is not on the pro-life side of the abortion issue, one of the cornerstones of Manzullo’s initial 1992 campaign.

It’s his official position as a delegate and friend of GOP presidential candidate McCain that is certain to raise eyebrows. Borling is also on McCain’s finance committee.

Abboud’s press release follows:

Major General John Borling Endorses Bob Abboud
Borling: Abboud is a Strong Leader Who Gets Results

ROCKFORD – In front of a crowd of more than 100 people Major General John Borling (USAF-ret) endorsed congressional candidate and nuclear engineer Bob Abboud, calling Abboud’s leadership and ideas ‘exactly what the 16th District and America need.’

“With gas prices out of control, the economy weak, unemployment a problem – especially in Northern Illinois – crushing national debt and skyrocketing health care costs, the 16th District and America need new, visionary leadership,” Borling said.

“I have endorsed Bob because he has extraordinary judgment and an intelligence that we desperately need in Congress. He is the right man for the job, I support his candidacy because its time for a change in Illinois.”

General Borling, a highly decorated, 37 year Air Force veteran and fighter pilot, commanded major units across the globe. His high level staff duty included: The White House, The Pentagon, Headquarters North and The Supreme Headquarters in Europe, and Head of Operations for Strategic Air Command.

“I’ve known and been involved with the Abboud family for a long time,” Borling said.

“Bob Abboud is a strong leader who gets results. A fiscal conservative and a social moderate, Bob needs to be our choice for Congress this November.”

“I am very grateful for the support of John Borling. I thank the General for his distinguished and continuing service to our country, his endorsement, and most importantly his counsel and friendship,” Abboud said. “His endorsement is a clear signal to Democrats, Republicans and Independents across the 16th District – a signal that this election is about more than party politics, it’s about the kind of change and results we want and need in the Congress and Northern Illinois. Please join and support us in that effort.”

In McHenry County Borling only received 76 votes in 2006.

In Winnebago County, however, where politicians campaign on television to Rockford area voters, Borling got 9% of the vote.

This is an independent part of the state. I got 4% of the vote in 2002 when I ran for governor as an independent. Not a huge number, but 3,000 votes there and similar percentages in the same TV market and they could make a difference in the final outcome, if it is close.

Of course, Green Party candidate Scott Summers is also on the ballot. Maybe he will pick off the more independent voters.


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