Dr. Bob Jones, III, chancellor of Bob Jones University, and Dr. Robert Taylor, Dean of the university's College of Arts and Sciences, received much criticism for their recent personal endorsement of Mitt Romney. Political conservatives criticized their endorsement because of Romney's recent (and politically expedient) conversion to conservatism. Some Fundamental Christians criticized their endorsement because of Romney's Mormon faith.
As a conservative Christian, a politically-involved pro-life activist, and a recent graduate of Bob Jones University, I understand their endorsement of Romney, but I think their trust is misplaced.
Dr. Jones and Dr. Taylor understand that nominating Rudy Giuliani would compromise the Republican Party's commitment to its core principles--especially its opposition to abortion--and would guarantee the election of Hillary Clinton. Many Republicans would feel compelled to support the Republican candidate, whoever he was, and whatever he believed. It would be the worst kind of defeat for Republicans. It would be a defeat from within, an abandonment of the reason that many of us are Republicans.
Just as some Republicans would vote for anyone to defeat Hillary, Dr. Jones and Dr. Taylor appear willing to support anyone remotely conservative who could defeat Giuliani. So these men no doubt looked at the polls, the campaign machinery, and the money of the other candidates, and decided Romney had the best chance to defeat Giuliani. They must think they can trust him, though I don't know why.
I'm sure they considered his Mormon faith. I would prefer to vote for a Christian as would they, but in an increasingly unchristian culture, we don't always have practicing Christians running (this time we do), and I would rather vote for an unbeliever who shares Christian values than an ignorant or incompetent Christian who doesn't understand how Christian values should impact government policy. In short, supporting a Mormon for a particular job, including the Presidency, is not an abandonment of Christianity, as some have claimed.
I am, however, surprised that Dr. Jones and Dr. Taylor trust Romney. His recent support of abortion as governor is well-known. His pledged support for the political goals of homosexual radicals, including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), during his senate campaign is also well-documented. He now says he has changed his mind. Will he change his mind on these issues when the political winds blow a different way?
Say what you will about President Bush, but he has never backed down on the right to life or the war on terror. I don't always agree with him--especially on illegal immigration and American sovereignty--but when he has a firm conviction on a matter, he doesn't waver. A president must be ready to stand on principle when even his own party opposes him. Romney is not that kind of man.
Dr. Jones and Dr. Taylor have watched politics long enough that they should know to watch a politician's record more than his rhetoric. Dr. Dobson understands that. Perhaps they think it better to be lied to or betrayed than for the GOP to betray its own principles.
It is better still to support a real conservative. 51% of voters who attended the Values Voters' Summit last weekend thought Mike Huckabee was such a candidate. And for those willing to support conservative candidates with lower poll rankings who best fit their views, men like Wayne Wilson and Duncan Hunter are hard to surpass.
In the primary season, the best candidate to defeat a liberal like Giuliani (and eventually Hillary) is one that conservatives can trust, not Mitt Romney.
Wesley Wilson
Wesley Wilson is the President of Let Her Live, a nonprofit dedicated to saving babies by showing the beauty and value of life to women considering abortion. Please learn more about the Let Her Live pro-life billboard campaign. Donations are tax deductible.
Disclaimer: Let Her Live does not endorse or oppose any political candidates, and political views expressed on this blog represent only the personal views of their authors.
Original post at http://blog.letherlive.org/2007/10/bob-jones-and-romney.html.
I'm an independent. I vote based upon a person and principles I hold. I love America and that is why I'm writing. All Republican party members listen carefully. There is only one candidate I would vote for on your side right now. Mitt Romney. If you put up anyone else you're done. He is your only real candidate. I know Mormonism is weird but get over it. Bigotry never wins. It wrong and no Democrat would ever dare to look like one. I want someone that can fix America's bureaucracy and the only one with proven ability on both sides is Gov. Romney. You have the best Champion I ever seen. His record, education, wisdom, foresight, experience, abilities, personality are all amazing. I've heard him speak and he lights a fire in my belly and a desire in my heart for America. But, if you choose someone else that is okay I'll vote for Hilary or Barrack. Hope the information is helpful.
Your blog entry is misguided on Romney. Not that I'm 100% sure of his sincerity on social conservative issues, but you are taking quotes from him to back up the positions you say he takes, and not his record. This I have looked into. His record is 100% pro-life. He has also been, without question, the most outspoken politicial on the national seen against gay-marriage and the need for a Marriage Ammendment to the constitution.
You can question his conversions based on his quotes, but don't use the quotes and call them his "record". You look ignorant.