So, Will You Be Voting?

Wow! Dr. James Dobson has really created a "fire storm" with his comments related to Super Tuesday. As an individual — NOT as the founder and chairman of Focus on the Family — he stated, in so many words, that, if Senator McCain is the nominee of the Republican Party, he would not be able to vote for him. His words on the Glenn Beck program were, "I regret what happened last night. I'm between a rock and a hard place."

Dr. Dobson had said on Tuesday, detailing his personal opposition to McCain, "If McCain is the nominee, I will sit this one out," according to citizenlink.org. He has received a lot of criticism from friends and foes alike.

I have been asked by several people, "Do you mean that under no circumstance could Dr. Dobson vote for Sen. McCain?" I still think that remains to be seen.

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council wrote on Feb. 6 regarding values voters, "If we reach September and the candidates you endorsed are not the final nominees, it will not mean the values movement has failed. I guarantee you that the frontrunner would have moved closer to our issues." Gary Bauer's Campaign for Working Families organization reported responses to his survey running 8-1 in favor of the Republicans "closing ranks" if need be.

As I write this note to you, I have also learned that Gov. Romney has dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination. I also understand that he may have spent between 35 and 50 million dollars of his own money on his campaign. To me, there is something immoral about that — but it was his money.

Tom Minnery, our Vice President of Public Policy, is quoted as saying, "Dr. Dobson's decision is a position of a man who isn't swayed by political winds. He is a man of deep principle, deep philosophy." I for one know Dr. Dobson is a godly man with deep moral convictions.

We have a long way to go before a president is selected in November. So much can and will change. One thing for sure — we need to pray for our country and the democracy that allows us to cast our vote in the privacy of a voting booth.

So, will you be voting? "Righteousness exalts a nation" (Prov. 14:34).

*** Late breaking news:  Dr. James Dobson issued the following statement last night, speaking as a private citizen.

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.

Be blessed and be a blessing. —HBL

P.S. Our hearts go out to the families and churches that were devastated by the multitude of tornadoes that raged through six southern states earlier this week. In an attempt to reach out to pastors and their congregations, we would like to know if your church or another that you are aware of was damaged or destroyed. Please email us your contact information or theirs at pastors@family.org so that we may contact them. Thank you.