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!

Party President

I received my ballot paper for the next party President this morning and was rather surprised to find that there is a third candidate! I've known that Ros Scott was standing for more than a year, and likewise Lembit Opik — whom I voted for last time the position was up for election — is there again, but someone I've never heard of before has also entered the fray. Given that the position is there to run the main internal committee and be the 'face' of the party then only the first two can be considered serious candidates. I've know Lembit for ages, and likewise Ros, so I am torn between them as to which I want to see elected. Wonder if a jobshare could be possible …