Gary Bauer: Letter and Response

the following is a letter i sent to gary bauer of american values. gary.bauer@mail.amvalues.org

it was in response to an article in 'one news now', in which mr. bauer requested second tier GOP presidential hopefuls to pull out of the presidential race. (interesting side note: gary bauer ran for the republican presidential nomination in 1999.)

here is the link to the article.

Dear Mr. Bauer,

I am writing this letter in response to an article from One News Now. In the article, you call for some of the presidential hopefuls in the GOP to pull out of the presidential bid.

Yes, the field is a bit crowded. And yes, there are many canidates that are diluting the conservative Christian vote. However, contrary to what the media is reporting, the canidates that are diluting the vote, are the top tier canidates that DO NOT REPRESENT the Christian conservative vote! They do not represent the values of the Christian voter nor are they proven in executive leadership.

Frankly, I'm a bit puzzled. As a Christian mother of 2 boys, I remember you from years ago. I remember when you and Dr. Dobson would speak of your work in Washington D.C. on behalf of Christians and the family. It seems, somehow things have changed. The current endorsements or preference given by Christian leaders, regarding canidates, do NOT REFLECT the values of the Christian. It is very disappointing.

I've always been apathetic about politics and the political process. I never cared a whit about any of it. That is, until I learned about Govenor Mike Huckabee. His competence as a govenor, his commitment to his faith, his ability to articulate and his integrity and wit. These are just a few reasons why Govenor Huckabee has transformed this stay at home mom, into a grass roots activitst.

Why, Mr. Bauer, are Christian leaders NOT getting behind Govenor Huckabee? Why are they not encouraging the Christian social conservative voter to support him? It is obvious he represents and embodies the values of the Christian voter. Why won't any Christian leaders stand on his behalf?

"Because he can't beat Hillary??". That is the reason I hear so often. Frankly, Govenor Huckabee is the only canidate that can stand toe-to-toe with Hillary, and have any chance of coming out with his life. Not only has he governed a state, unlike all the senator in the race. But he has the verbal skills and quick wit to engage her and still come out ahead a few points. She is a formidable opponent, and it sounds like many, yourself included, are afraid of her occupation of the White House. SO ARE WE, Mr. Bauer...so are we!!!

That's why we need somebody like Govenor Huckabee. He's not the 'good 'ol boy', trying to make it on image alone. Nor is he the 'war veteran', trying to capitalize on his war record. Nor the snazzy 'city boy', trying to parlay the 9/11 tragedy. He is simply a man qualified for the job, committed to God, and able to draw even the cynical Democrat onto his side.

So Huckabee, on paper, is undeniably the man for the job. Yet, the lack of support and seeming opposition from the Christian leaders is hamstringing his efforts.

I simply don't understand. Maybe it's part of the 'political game'? Yet, somehow I remember years ago, you and Dr. Dobson speaking about the goals of what you were embarking upon in Washington. It was about "values", "God", "family" and the "representation of the Christian and family in Washington". What happened, Mr. Bauer?? I don't understand.

At the end of the article in One News Now, you stated, Christians need to remember, "Jesus is not running in the Republican primaries." Indeed, you are right. He is not. But I can't help but think, if He were here voting..."What Would Jesus Do?". And that, Mr. Bauer, is why I support Govenor Mike Huckabee for President.

Thank you for your time.

RESPONSE: FROM GARY BAUER 9/28/07

Thank you for writing me. I have not asked Mike Huckabee to drop out of the race, nor would I ever do so. What I have said is that after another six or seven weeks, if lower tier candidates don’t drop out of the race, we will end up with Rudy Giuliani as the GOP nominee and Hillary as President.

Mrs. T, many Christian leaders are supporting Mike Huckabee, but others have gone with other candidates. I probably won’t endorse anyone, because I have to work with them all on behalf of our pro-life, pro-family movement. As a matter of fact, I just spent an hour with Huckabee, and next week I will be sitting down privately with other candidates.

I believe any of the candidates, except Giuliani, would be preferable to Hillary Clinton. I also think, after hours of private conversations, that all the candidates have flaws, but I will not discuss them publicly.

I also think we should all pray a lot before we suggest that any candidate is the candidate Jesus wants. When our Savior returns, there won’t be any elections because he is the King of Kings!

- Gary L. Bauer

well, i'll let you draw your own conclusions regarding the above. i'm not quite sure what to make of it, apart from the fact that 'politics' seems alive and well.
yet, i do agree with mr. bauer, regarding the need to have some of the lower tier canidates bow out of the GOP race.

friends, please do what you can to help turn the tide and perspective of those around you. it seems we are losing our bearings and values in an effort to play the political game.

let's get back to basics. let's look at what is front of us. let's look at the facts not the politics. qualified, experienced, committed christian, consistent, communicator, integritous....this is mike huckabee.

as mr. bauer suggests, let's pray long and hard and ask God..."What would Jesus do?"...and then....let's do it.

praying, praying, praying....


"He has shown you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you. but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?". micah 6:8