NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Paul Pressler, who played an instrumental role in the Southern Baptist Convention’s Conservative Resurgence, endorsed Fred Thompson for president Dec. 7.
The former Texas Court of Appeals judge said he believes Thompson is a true conservative and can win.
“Fred Thompson has the experience, convictions and dedication to make him a great candidate and a great president,” Pressler said in a statement released by the Thompson campaign. “He knows Washington but is not part of the Washington system. Fred is the consistent conservative in the presidential race and is the most electable.”
Pressler is retired from the court but maintains an active international private practice. During the 1970s and 1980s he had a significant hand in guiding the Southern Baptist Convention back to its orthodox biblical roots.
Pressler’s endorsement came approximately three weeks after the National Right to Life Committee endorsed Thompson.
Conservatives have been split in their endorsements in recent weeks. Several Southern Baptists have endorsed Republican Mike Huckabee. Among them are former SBC Presidents James (Jimmy) T. Draper Jr., Jerry Vines and Jack Graham, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Daniel Akin, Arkansas pastor Ronnie Floyd and Liberty Counsel founder Mathew Staver. All endorsements came as private citizens.
Outside the SBC realm, conservative endorsements also have been split:
— American Family Association founder Don Wildmon and Christian authors Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye endorsed Huckabee, as did Concerned Women for American founder Beverly LaHaye.
— Free Congress Foundation Chairman Paul Weyrich, Bob Jones III and Christian attorney Jay Sekulow endorsed Mitt Romney.
— U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, a prominent pro-lifer, backed John McCain.
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Compiled by Michael Foust, assistant editor of Baptist Press.
