Obama-Keyes: The Rematch

We've seen this coming for a while, but tonight it becomes official. The Permanent Candidate plans to leave the GOP this evening:

Former Republican presidential candidate Alan Keyes has chosen April 15 to make a major announcement of his intentions, following indications he has broken with the GOP….

Keyes added that he is looking to the Constitution Party as a possible home for his future efforts in politics, including a potential run for president in the 2008 general election.

"No other 'third party' is as well-established as the Constitution Party," said Keyes. "They've been around since 1992, and have built a significant grassroots presence among patriotic, Constitution-minded citizens–with a registered membership of over 350,000. Conservatives have a home in the CP that they can find nowhere else, given the decline in the Republican Party's credibility as a voice and vehicle for conservatism."

In other words, Alan Keyes still hasn't raised enough money to pay off his old campaign debts. Give, give, give!

Fun fact: The California affiliate of the Constitution Party is the old American Independent Party. If Keyes becomes the CP nominee, then a party formed to serve as a political vehicle for George Wallace will ride into November with a black presidential candidate. Progress!