(CNN) - On the same day Democratic leaders stressed party unity after the drawn out primary fight, one congressional Democrat said Tuesday he will not endorse Barack Obama's bid for the White House.
Rep. Dan Boren, Oklahoma's lone Democrat in Congress, told the Associated Press Obama is "the most liberal senator," and said he has to listen to the wishes of his own constituents.
"We're much more conservative," Boren said of his rural district which stretches across the eastern part of the state and borders Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas.
"I've got to reflect my district. No one means more to me than the people who elected me. I have to listen to them," Boren added. His congressional office confirmed the accuracy of the quotes to CNN.
Boren also said Obama's record "does not reflect working in a bipartisan fashion." But the Oklahoma Democrat said he would vote for Obama at the party's convention in August because of the serious issues the country faces.
"I think this is an important time for our country," he said. "We're facing a terrible economic downturn. We have high gasoline prices. We have problems in our foreign policy. That's why I think it's important."
Watch: McCain and Obama go on the attack
Boren's comments come a day after Florida Democratic Rep. Tim Mahoney also said he has no plans to make a formal endorsement. The freshman Democrat, who replaced Republican Rep. Mark Foley following House page scandal, told the Palm Beach Post he plans on remaining an uncommitted superdelegate and may not even attend the convention.
From CNN Politics
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That is amazing and commendable that a politician actually listens to the people who elected him.
If only all those in Congress who are super-delegates felt that way!
At least one Dem has political guts and knows right from wrong.
Thank God there is one Demarcate that will listen to the people of his district.
Sounds like another closet Hillarepublican casting off his outer garments. Since he's the "lone" Democrat, it doesn't sound like he had the backbone to stand up for Democratic principles. Next step, take the Democratic name off because you disgrace it.
You have to wonder if he'd feel the same if it were John Edwards, who's basically just as liberal, just not... you know...
That's just dumb,,,,,you wont endorse, but you will vote for him in the fall....you are endorsing him......!.....the will of the people spoken when the DNC established the rules that reaching 2118 elected delegates wins you the nomination...it's no longer about your district...you just want to be relected.....it's things like this that keeps the party divided...grow up!
If party leaders dont put a mussel on this idiot i will. Here i thought only texas had steers and qeers. I just found out that they are located in Oklahomo.
Of all the responses, are only the ones that are anti-democrat being posted???
Boren just wants publicity. What a political sleeze.
He is doing this for political reasons. If his constituency is conservative, they will not reelect him if he endorses a liberal. He did not endorse McCain. He said he will not endorse Obama. He will still vote for Obama in private. This is politics to ensure his reelection.
Folks,
Let's not be like the Republicans and "shoot", denegrade or otherwise slam Rep Dan Boren. Pray for him.
From the standpoing of a delegate, what is the difference between "endorsing Obama" and voting for him at the convention?
Who won Borens district in the primary and by how much?
How smart is is to antagonize the party's standard bearer unneccessarily?. I don't mean to criticize but wouldn't it serve his constituents more to BUILD his relationship with the future President of the United States, particularly if he's a member of the same party?
Is this a freshman Congressman?
IS CNN PART OF THE REPUBLICAN BLOG. THESE ARTICLES ON IS OBAMA BLACK OR WHITE? GET REAL!
MCBUSH HAS HIS PARTY WONDERING IF THEY EVEN WANT TO GO VOTE THIS YEAR.
This Democrat will be voting for Nader.
I don't really like McCain, but I DEFINITELY do not trust Obama either. Obama is way too good at making people feel all warm and fuzzy, and his focus should be on "How We Can" instead of "Yes We Can". That and nobody really knows anything about him as far as all these allegations go. If Obama goes to the White House I think we're all in for a very unpleasant surprise.
I think he will discover that he is making a very bad decision. His reasoning is a bit odd. He won't endorse but he will vote for Obama because the serious issues the country faces? Maybe this dude just needs some guts. Leadership is sometimes about telling constituents what they need to hear....not what they want to hear.
................ You are either with me or you are without me .......!!!!
If this guy doesn't give Barack a "full-throated" endorsement it will used in a swiftboat ad... you watch...!
Yes...WE...Can.... means everybody opinions or not........ welcome
.
This guy has no spine!
Barack Obama / Kathleen Sebelius 08
.
It's about time someone stood up against him. Not everyone has to agree "republican style".
I think they should be stripped of all their DEMOCRATIC credentials and thrown out of Washington to be sent back to there states and suffer with the rest of the common people.... What their constituents dont know is just how much money these two jerks are getting for representing their interests in Washington DC...they should be ashamed of themselves not supporting OBAMA...If they thought they could do a better job why didn't they run to make a CHANGE...
OBAMANATION!!!!!!
Moron!
Grow a spine. You know. That thing that attaches to your brain.
Oh.
Well grow one of those, too.
Or, just join the G.O.P. (Grease, Oil and Pinstripes.)
Can someone please explain to me this "most liberal democrat in congress" stuff everyone keeps talking about when it comes to Obama? I'm not saying I wouldn't believe it, but whenever I hear someone say that, they never follow it up with examples. Maybe it's true and maybe it isn't, but honestly, it's starting to sound like just another rediculous talking point sound bite the way it's used so often.
Coward.
GREAT JOB UNIFYING THE DEMOCRATS!!!!!
Now that you have enjoyed your 5 minutes of fame....
Climb back on your tumbleweed and blow yourself back home.