Evangelical Leader Threatens to Use His Political Muscle Against Some Democrats By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
COLORADO SPRINGS – James C. Dobson, the nation’s most influential evangelical leader, is threatening to put six potentially vulnerable Democratic senators “in the ‘bull’s-eye’ ” if they block conservative appointments to the Supreme Court.
In a letter his aides say is being sent to more than one million of his supporters, Dr. Dobson, the child psychologist and founder of the evangelical organization Focus on the Family, promises “a battle of enormous proportions from sea to shining sea” if President Bush fails to appoint “strict constructionist” jurists or if Democrats filibuster to block conservative nominees. …
In an interview in his office in Colorado Springs, Dr. Dobson acknowledged that his plunge into partisan politics had irrevocably changed his public image. “I can’t go back, nor do I want to,” he said. “I will probably endorse more candidates. This is a new day. I just feel a real need to make use of this visibility.” …
Dr. Dobson said he was prepared for some disappointments from Mr. Bush. For example, he said, when the president says the country is not ready to overturn the Supreme Court precedents supporting abortion rights, “it bothers me a lot.” …
He said of Mr. Bush, “He does not take the bully pulpit and use it effectively.”
People For the American Way – Focus on the Family
Founder: Dr. James C. Dobson
President: Don Hodel
Established: 1977
Finances: $128.8 million, 2000 budget
Staff: approximately 1,300 employees
Publications: 2.3 million subscribers to their ten monthly magazines.
Virulent pro-theocracy, pro-censorship group. Promotes censorship of a wide range of media and subjects including rock music, info on birth control and sex ed, and even feminist material.