James Dobson endorses Vander Plaats' bid for governor

DES MOINES – Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats on Thursday won the endorsement of a national advocate on family issues.

James  C. Dobson, an author and host of a nationally syndicated radio program, threw his support behind Vander Plaats' bid to become Iowa's next governor.

Dobson's support likely will broaden the Sioux City business consultant's appeal among religions conservative – a key voting bloc when Republicans head to the polls Tuesday to select their 2010 gubernatorial nominee from among Vander Plaats, former Gov. Terry Branstad of rural Boone and five-term state Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll.

“Bob has fought tirelessly for conservative family values. He is passionately pro-life and supports the exclusivity of marriage between one man and one woman,” Dobson said in a statement released by the Vander Plaats campaign that indicated he was speaking as a private individual.

“Vander Plaats believes that all voters, not just one liberal court, should decide what the definition of marriage should be,” he added. “I'm proud to join Gov. Mike Huckabee, Chuck Norris, the Iowa Family Policy Center, David Barton, Michael Farris and the president of the Iowa/Nebraska Chapter of the NAACP in urging the citizens of Iowa to vote for Bob Vander Plaats for governor next Tuesday.”

Vander Plaats called Dobson's support “a big endorsement” and one for which he was humbled and honored to accept.

“I think it will move some voters or it might encourage a whole new bloc of voters to say we're getting out in the primary. I think it's that important,” he said. “For him to endorse our campaign less than a week before the election will be pivotal as we move Iowans to vote for the one conservative who will stand up for marriage and the family, and resist the extreme social engineering of an activist court.”

Dobson, who resides in Colorado Springs, Colo., served for 33 years as founder and chairman of Focus on the Family before resigning from that well-known organization earlier this year and last month launching the Family Talk broadcast – which is carried by more than 700 radio outlets nationwide.

"Bob believes the Republican Party should stand for something beyond simply winning elections and holding office,” Dobson added. “He defends the principles and issues that affect the very fabric of our society -- and I'm confident he'll base his leadership in the state of Iowa on those convictions."

Vander Plaats previously authored the book, "Light from Lucas," about lessons in faith that he and his family gained through his son Lucas, who was born with a severe disability that left him unable to walk or speak. The book was published by Focus on the Family in 2007.

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