Obama announces support and expansion for Bush's faith based programs

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Reaching out to religious voters, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama called for expanding US President George W. Bush's program steering federal social service dollars to religious groups and - in a move sure to cause controversy - supported some ability to hire and fire based on faith. Obama unveiled his approach to getting religious charities more involved in government anti-poverty programs during a tour and remarks Tuesday at Eastside Community Ministry, which provides food, clothes, youth ministry and other services. "The challenges we face today ... are simply too big for government to solve alone," Obama said. Obama's announcement came as part of a series of events leading up to Friday's patriotic Fourth of July holiday.