c. 2000 Religion News Sevice
WASHINGTON _ Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson vowed to “draw a line in the sand” and return the White House to the Republicans at the Coalition’s 10th annual Washington pep rally on Friday (Sept. 29).
With the White House, control of Congress and Supreme Court appointments hanging in the balance, Robertson promised the group’s “biggest thrust” ever in the Nov. 7 elections in favor of conservative candidates.
“As a nation, we cannot sell our moral principles just to have more money,” Robertson said, arguing conservative voters shouldn’t be swayed by the booming economy. “It’s just not right.”
Noticeably absent, however, was Texas Gov. George W. Bush, who commands the overwhelming allegiance of Christian conservatives but declined an invitation to address the gathering.
Robertson, while a strong Bush supporter, told The New York Times that Bush’s prospects in November are “iffy” and said Bush’s decision not to speak was “very risky.” Campaign officials said Bush needed to spend the time campaigning and instead dispatched Lynne Cheney, wife of vice presidential candidate Dick Cheney, to address the convention.
Despite a troubled run recently for the coalition, supporters said its battles with the IRS and Federal Election Commission have only galvanized the organization’s core supporters. “It hasn’t been an easy three or four years,” Robertson conceded. “We’ve had some problems.”
Still, the group’s new executive director, Roberta Combs, said it is too early to write the coalition’s obituary.
“We’re going to pray, and we’re going to vote, and we’re going to vote like we’ve never voted before,” Combs said.
Coalition officials maintain their organization is nonpartisan and will support candidates of either party who share their concerns. Nonetheless, the coalition and the Bush camp seemed to be linked in all but name at the Washington rally.
“I’m sure Mr. Bush wants the coalition’s support, but I’m not sure he’ll get all of it,” said Wade Arnette, chairman of both the Christian Coalition and the Bush campaign in Berkely County, S.C. “He’s got my vote.”
Robertson hit a number of conservative themes _ opposition to abortion, lower taxes and education reform.
Other speakers included House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss.
“It’s not just about the majority (in Congress),” Lott said. “It’s about the fact that we are within three or four votes of stopping partial-birth abortion, and next year we’ll pass it and George W. Bush will sign it.”
The coalition said it will distribute nearly 70 million voter guides in churches before the election. The Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for the Separation of Church and States, has vowed to launch his own counteroffensive.
DEA END ECKSTROM
