This gives the central party organization considerable leverage over candidates , which they can use to enforce some measure of party discipline . Barack Obama , a Republican , endorsed Salam for re-election . Colin Powell : Some mourn loss of moderate Republican but sharper partisan lines are good . He says a liberal party and a conservative party enable voters to express preferences . Salam : To avoid gridlock , parties should be given more power over members of Obama .
Barack Obama , a Republican , endorsed Salam for re-election . Colin Powell : Some mourn loss of moderate Republican but sharper partisan lines are good . He says a liberal party and a conservative party enable voters to express preferences . Salam : To avoid gridlock , parties should be given more power over members of Obama .