Dobson off the fence, endorses Huckabee

James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, made good on his promise not to support John McCain for the Republican presidential nomination by issuing a statement endorsing former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Huckabee, a former Baptist minister, had long sought Dobson's backing, saying as far back as last October that "I don't understand his neutrality."

Dobson's statement of support came only after Mitt Romney dropped out of the race earlier in the day. And it was careful to note that he was "speaking as a private citizen," and not representing Focus, the influential evangelical Christian organization based in Colorado Springs.

Nonetheless, Dobson's endorsement is a signal to evangelicals that Huckabee is his man. States where that might make a difference soon include Kansas and Louisiana, which hold GOP contests on Saturday, and Virginia on Tuesday.

On Super Tuesday, Huckabee won West Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Arkansas - adding to his first win in Iowa. However, he is far behind McCain in the delegate count needed to win the nomination.

Dobson's full statement follows:

"I am endorsing Gov. Mike Huckabee for President of the United States today. 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. His record on the institution of the family and other conservative issues makes his candidacy a matter of conscience and concern for me.

"That left two pro-family candidates whom I could support, but I was reluctant to choose between them. However, the decision by Gov. Mitt Romney to put his campaign "on hold" changes the political landscape. The remaining candidate for whom I could vote is Gov. Huckabee. 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. 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."

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