Dobson endorses Huckabee

Social conservatives are digging in against John McCain.

James Dobson, one of the nation's most prominent evangelical Christian leaders, backed Mike Huckabee's presidential bid Thursday night, giving the former Arkansas governor a long-sought endorsement as the Republican field narrowed to a two-man race.

In a statement first obtained by The Associated Press, Dobson reiterated his declaration on Super Tuesday that he could not in good conscience vote for John McCain, the front-runner, because of concerns over the Arizona senator's conservative credentials.

Dobson said given the situation at that point, he was reluctant to choose between "two pro-family candidates whom I could support" — Huckabee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

But Dobson wrote that Romney's announcement Thursday that he was suspending his campaign "changed the political landscape."

"The remaining candidate for whom I could vote is Governor Huckabee," Dobson said. "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 ... Obviously, the governor faces an uphill struggle, given the delegates already committed to Senator McCain. Nevertheless, I believe he is our best remaining choice for president of the United States."

McCain really has a problem here. Dobson sat on the fence long enough for McCain to essentially secure the nomination. But now the senator is faced with a base that is, to put it mildly, unenthusiastic about his candidacy.

In a campaign season during which Democrats are already surging ahead of the GOP in turnout, this does not bode well for McCain in the general election.

Oh, and would someone remind the AP that this is not a two-man race, at least not yet? Last I heard, Ron Paul hadn't dropped out, and had enough money to keep going for a good, long while. Paul's supporters represent another faction of the GOP that finds McCain unacceptable, especially with regard to the occupation of Iraq. So, while it is virtually impossible for the Texas congressman to gain enough delegates to win the nomination, he is still a declared candidate with a significant base of support.