Family Research Council President Tony Perkins announced the group’s new political action committee that will endorse candidates and raise money.
The PAC will not endorse a presidential candidate, however. “We’re not a huge PAC yet and to make a dent, even, in that effort would take a lot of money,” Perkins said at a press conference.
He also said, “There are still lingering concerns about some of John McCain’s positions.” Conservative Christians have voiced concerns in the past over McCain’s over embryonic stem cell research and the federal marriage amendment.
Although FRC extended invitations to John McCain, Barack Obama, and Sarah Palin, none of them will appear. Perkins said he believes Palin could have an impact on McCain’s policy decisions.
“I’ve had a number of conversations with John McCain, we’re not golfing buddies by any means … she’s not just window dressing, she’s going to be an active partner,” Perkins said. “While it may not have been a vigorous conversation, John McCain and his campaign were listening.”
Perkins said the PAC plans to raise about $250,000 and put the money into one of the tighter races.
“We’re not looking to make a huge impact monetarily,” he said. “We’re there saying, this is the candidate who lines up with those who are concerned about families.”
The PAC endorsed about 80 candidates with just two Democrats on the list: Rep. Heath Shuler and Rep. Mike McIntyre.
