Republican Powell to vote for Hillary

Columbus, October 26 

Snubbing his Republican colleague and presidential nominee Donald Trump, former secretary of state Colin Powell today said that he would instead vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

With this Clinton has earned the rare endorsement of a top Republican leader.

Powell had served in the administration of President Ronald Reagan and was secretary of state in George W Bush's first term as president. He had supported President Barack Obama 

in both the 2008 and 

2012 campaigns.

Powell's announcement that he would vote for Clinton and not Trump came during a Long Island group luncheon. The move was welcomed by Clinton.

"Proud to have the endorsement of General Powell, 

a decorated soldier and distinguished statesman," 

Clinton tweeted.

In the past Powell had been highly critical of Trump's policies and rhetoric. Clinton has earned the support of several Republicans, but Powell is the most high-profile leader to have backed her. 

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