Evangelical groups are not as powerful as in the past

At the 1996 Republican National Convention, when U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas was the party's nominee, the Christian Coalition had an army of workers operating out of a "war room" inside a San Diego hotel.

The Coalition, founded by Virginia Beach religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, was less than a decade old at the time, and was one of several conservative religious interest groups whose message had gained increasing prominence in the GOP.

In the 12 years since, there have been ups and down for noted evangelical groups and their leaders.

Robertson, for example, is no longer involved with the Coalition. When the Republican National Convention begins today, he will not be here.

Robertson said in a recent e-mail that "the evangelical community is not organized this year" but can be expected to "turn out and vote," though he warns "they will not have the influence they used to."

Roberta Combs, the Coalition's president, said the group isn't as high-profile as it once was, but still is an important part of the GOP establishment. The change is a natural part of any movement, said Combs, who will be in St. Paul this week.

Combs and other leaders of the Christian right movement say they're inclined to support GOP presidential candidate John McCain over Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

Evangelical groups are not as powerful as in the past
The Virginian-Pilot, VA