James Dobson’s endorsement could be key in GOP primary

If you’re a Republican and you want to be president, there are a number of people around the country considered king makers, and one of them is in Colorado Springs.

An icon depicting James Dobson on the Americans United for Separation of Church and State Web site. (Graphic/au.org)
The Hill’s Michael O’Brien reported this weekend that James Dobson, even though his influence seems to have waned a bit in Colorado, is one of the ten most highly sought endorsements among Republicans.

From The Hill:

While the coming election appears set to focus on economic issues more than social issues, three evangelical leaders’ could influence the debate, through endorsements or from the pulpit.

James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, had refused to endorse Sen. John McCain’s campaign in 2008 before eventually relenting and backing him over Obama. He’s still an influential social conservative voice, and his endorsement could carry more weight this time around.

Others on the list include such bold-faced names as Sarah Palin, Jeb Bush, Nikki Haley and Chris Christie. It also includes back-room players like Ovide MaMontagne and Bob Vander Plaats.

Perhaps of some note is that when Mitt Romney came to Colorado earlier this month, he trotted out a long list of impressive Colorado Republicans endorsing him, but Dobson was not on the list. Dobson, though, is somewhat known for waiting to see which way the wind blows before committing.

Scot Kersgaard has been managing editor of a political newspaper, editor and co-owner of a ski town newspaper, executive editor of eight high-tech magazines (where he worked with current Apple CEO Tim Cook), deputy press secretary to a U.S. Senator, and an outdoors columnist at the Rocky Mountain News. He has an English degree from the University of Washington. He was awarded a fellowship to study internet journalism at the University of Maryland's Knight Center for Specialized Journalism. He was student body president in college. He spends his free time hiking and skiing.

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