Despite last week's news that Supreme Court nominee John Roberts assisted in a landmark gay-rights case, conservative Christian political groups have largely maintained their support for the nominee. Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, wrote in his August 4 newsletter, "After further investigation we were told that Roberts's role was apparently limited to providing a few hours of participation in a moot court procedure, as he routinely did for all the firm's pro bono clients."

But should Roberts's conservative credentials not hold up during or before the Senate confirmation hearings, there are questions regarding how conservative groups will spend the money raised to support his nomination. Perkins earlier told The Washington Post that FRC would put millions behind a conservative nominee.

In a July 26 Focus on the Family broadcast, James Dobson said, "No one can discern with perfect accuracy what lies in the heart and specifically in the philosophy and beliefs of this nominee … this is why we need to be in prayer that Judge Roberts's true colors will become apparent before the final confirmation decision is reached, but right now, however, the man looks good." But what happens to money raised to support Roberts if either he is able to get through confirmation hearings without a major, money-spending battle, or if conservative groups decide he's not worth supporting?

FRC says even if its millions are not spent on Roberts, that money and more will be used to help turn the Supreme Court in a more conservative direction. "It's not all earmarked for Roberts," says Cathy Cleaver Ruse, senior fellow for legal studies.

"FRC will choose a major issue each year and put most of its resources and its focus toward ...