U.S. Rep. Paul Broun attacked President-elect Barack Obama's agenda as "Marxist" and derided some fellow Republicans for abandoning conservative principles during a speech in Augusta on Friday, his first since being re-elected in Georgia's 10th District.

"In my opinion, we've elected a Marxist to be president of the United States," Mr. Broun, R-Watkinsvile, said during a luncheon of the Martinez-Evans Rotary Club at the Doubletree Hotel.

The remark led Rotarian Lucinda Williams to defend Mr. Obama and question the intelligence of Sen. John McCain's running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Mr. Broun qualified his remark, saying he believes Mr. Obama's policies of bigger government and shared wealth are Marxist.

"When Barack Obama is right, then I'll support him," he said. "When he is wrong, I'll fight him."

Mr. Broun also criticized Mr. McCain.

"I'm very disappointed with the McCain campaign," he said. "In my opinion, it was inept."

He said he believes Mr. McCain failed to adequately differentiate himself from President Bush and embrace conservative values.

He referred to Mr. McCain as a "milquetoast" Republican.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.