Although Senator Barack Obama has the overwhelming support of Democratic leaders, there are a few who have come out in recent days stating that they will not endorse the Illinois Senator.

According to The Hill, Florida Rep.Tim Mahoney, the person elected to replace republican Tim Foley, told a local newspaper that he did not want to endorse Senator Obama so that he may be free to lobby Senator McCain on behalf of his constituents.

Rep. Dan Boren, Oklahoma's only Democrat in the House, said that he could not endorse Senator Obama because he feels Senator Obama is too liberal and his views do not reflect those of his more conservative constituents.

These Democratic deflectors illustrate a small rift forming within the party between the liberal members and the more moderate members, known as Blue Dog Democrats.

The three newest members of the House, who all won Republican leaning districts, are part of the moderate group. The newly elected Reps. are Travis Childers (D-MI), Bill Foster (D-IL), and Don Cazayoux (D-LA).

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