Former Governor and presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee received an endorsement from Dr. James Dobson, the founder and chairman of Focus on the Family, following statements from Dobson indicating that he could not in conscience vote for Senator John McCain.
Dr. Dobson spoke on Thursday night, making it clear that he was giving the endorsement as a private citizen, and that his statements did not amount to an official Focus on the Family endorsement. Dr. Dobson emphasized Huckabee's commitment to marriage and the family, and gave his support to Huckabee, despite his uphill battle in the presidential race.
"His unwavering positions on the social issues, notably the institution of marriage, the importance of faith and the sanctity of human life, resonate deeply with me and with many others," said Dr. Dobson. "That is why I will support Gov. Huckabee through the remaining primaries, and will vote for him in the general election if he should get the nomination. Obviously, the governor faces an uphill struggle, given the delegates already committed to Sen. McCain. Nevertheless, I believe he is our best remaining choice for President of the United States."
Dobson said he could not vote for Senator McCain in good conscience, citing in particular his lack of support for the family and his overall poor record on the preservation of a socially conservative policy.
"My decision comes in the wake of my statement on Super Tuesday that I could not vote for Sen. John McCain, even if he goes on to win the Republican nomination," Dobson said. "His record on the institution of the family and other conservative issues makes his candidacy a matter of conscience and concern for me."
Dr. Dobson said that the decision of Mitt Romney to put his campaign on hold influenced his decision, and that Huckabee is now the only candidate in the field that he can vote for in good conscience. Dobson's condemnation of McCain came only days after McCain was endorsed and praised by Republicans for Choice, a pro-abortion Republican Political Action Committee.
