Retired U.S. Air Force General John Borling has been a fixture in local and state politics for many years .. the Republican has run for several offices including the U.S. Senate. He has been a major supporter for many G.O.P. Candidates in the Stateline .... but this year Borling is doing something politicians seldom do....he is publicly endorsing a member of the opposition party....Democrat 16th district Congressional candidate Robert Abboud.

" He is a man that is motivated by service to our country. He doesn't want to be a career politician. Bob believes he ought to go to Washington serve the 16th district for a decent period of time and then get out . I think the nation is not well served by people who go there and expect to stay a lifetime."

That's a direct slap at eight term incumbent Republican congressman Don Manzullo.

Borling says what Northern Illinois needs most is change.. and Abboud's energy policy and views on the economy will help move the area forward...

Borling also thinks one of the attractions of Abboud is their shared belief in leaving partisan politics aside and embracing choice.

"I believe America would be better served if America had a political middle If we had an area where bipartisanship could truly flourish but right now very few people can do this but Bob Abboud can do this".

" Where are we going how are we going to solve the problems of the economy and energy none of these are issues that are partisan".

And even though some of Borling's GOP brethren may be questioning his latest move.... he thinks his reasoning is very simple.....The General believes it all boils down to one thing.

" I think you look for trust confidence and motivation".

In Rockford... Kristin Burke 23 News Right Now .

Congressman Don Manzullo's office responds to the Endorsement:

This is a statement from Manzullo campaign spokesman Rich Carter:

"This all started in 2004 when General Borling asked but failed to receive Congressman Manzullo's endorsement when Borling unsuccessfully ran in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, Two years later in 2006, Borling abandoned the Republican Party and unsuccessfully ran against Congressman Manzullo as an independent. And now, Borling is supporting Congressman Manzullo's Democrat opponent. This endorsement is not surprising."

"I have the utmost respect for General Borling's service to our country. Borling and Senator McCain were fellow POWs during the Viet Nam War, which is why Borling is now a McCain delegate. But Senator McCain strongly supports Congressman Manzullo's candidacy. Senator McCain and Congressman Manzullo both believe the United States must end its dependence on costly foreign oil, cut wasteful Washinton spending, prevent huge tax hikes on American families, and provide more affordable health care options for Americans."