DENVER- John Hutson told the Democratic National Convention that he has switched his party registration so he can vote for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama in November.

Hutson, a retired Navy admiral and dean of the Franklin Pierce Law Center, said the Republican party has drifted from its core principles.

"But today I have traveled from my home in New Hampshire to declare myself a proud member of the Democratic Party and to endorse Barack Obama for President of the United States," Hutson told delegates. "Why? Because the Republican Party I once knew has become something different, something I no longer recognize. The ‘Grand Old Party' is no longer grand. It's just old. The same old, failed policies. The same, old Washington culture."

Earlier this week Hutson told PolitickerNH.com that he was supporting Obama because Obama would "bring this country back on track."

"He's the person that can bring this country back on course to prosperity and international standing and make us feel good about ourselves."

Hutson was scheduled to deliver his speech on Monday but his slot was moved to Tuesday so he could speak during prime time coverage of the convention, however yesterday his speech was changed to tonight.