ANALYSIS: Will Dr. James Dobson Endorse Mike Huckabee?

LOS ANGELES (Catholic Online) - In a week which witnessed a flurry of endorsements by major evangelical leaders, rumors circulated throughout Washington D.C. today that Dr. James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, who has spoken out strongly against several of the current Republican candidates,may soon endorse former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for President.

The week brought a surprise endorsement from Rev. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, the founder of the Christian Coalition and the American Center for Law and Justice. Many pro-life leaders expressed shock when the religious broadcaster endorsed the candidacy of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Paul Weyrich, Catholic Deacon and founder of the Free Congress Foundation, another early pioneer of the religious conservative movement, endorsed the candidacy of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Former Presidential candidate and Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, a respected pro-life leader, endorsed John McCain.

Whether the rumored Huckabee endorsement by Dr. Dobson will prove to be accurate still remains to be seen. A Senior Vice President for Focus on the Family denied it as late as Friday afternoon. However the rumors persist throughout the politically rarified air of the Nations Capitol. In fact, they seem to be gaining momentum.

Other rumors are actively circulating among beltway “insiders” concerning the coming endorsements of other leaders of the religious conservative movement such as one time Presidential candidate Gary Bauer and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins. The rumors point to further expected endorsements next week.

Most astute Washington observers agree on one thing. The lack of a clear candidate, in a constituency which has played such a major role in choosing a Republican nominee in the past, distinguishes this election from many in recent history.

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