Boucher takes heat for Obama endorsement

Congressman Rich Boucher is coming under political fire tonight for his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama. Boucher joined Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and the other two Democratic congressmen in Virginia in throwing their support behind the Illinois Senator.

Obama won big in Virginia Tuesday night, defeating Senator Clinton by almost 20 points. But, he lost to Clinton in Boucher’s Congressional District. In fact, it’s the only Congressional District she won, and she won it big. With 88% of the vote, Clinton beat Obama by 30 points.

As a result of the returns in the 9th, the Southwest Virginia coordinator for the Clinton campaign is calling on Boucher to reconsider his endorsement of Obama.

Jeff Mitchell, a Blacksburg attorney and local Democratic activist, told WSLS that he hopes Boucher will look at the map and see that he’s “out of touch” with his constituents.

“We are wondering if Congressman Boucher represents Virginia or represents the 9th District,” Mitchell said. “The local Democrats who stand with him every other November believe our party needs a candidate who can deliver results, not rhetoric - and experience not expectations.”

Mitchell says they are beginning to organize a phone calling operation that will encourage Congressman Boucher to “stand with his constituents in Denver,” the location of the Democratic National Convention.

This story developed late after Boucher’s Congressional office closed. We will contact his office Wednesday to get a comment.