Compare and Contrast

In the USA today, former Secretary of State and General Colin Powell (Republican) has endorsed Senator Barack Obama (Democrat). This cross-party support is seen as good, indeed showing that a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff supports him is great support for Obama to be the next Commander-in-Chief. Though I can't help wondering whether open cross-party support for Lembit Opik or Ros Scott would be so well appreciated. If Ken Clarke declared for Ros, or Frank Field for Lembit, would it sway opinions? move votes? Somehow I believe that on this side of the pond we look with caution and suspicion at whom someone declares as their supporters, facebook not withstanding!