Conservative Gary Bauer endorses McCain

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Republican presidential front-runner Sen. John McCain picked up the endorsement Monday of conservative leader Gary Bauer, McCain's campaign said.

"John McCain has dedicated his life to defending human rights around the world, including the rights of the unborn," Bauer said. "I admire his consistent 24-year, pro-life record and demonstrated commitment to the values that keep our families and communities strong."

Bauer, noted for his ties to several evangelical Christian groups and campaigns, is founder of Campaign for Working Families political action committee that works to elect like-minded candidates on the state and national levels.

McCain, R-Ariz., noted he appreciated Bauer's support, saying, "I have long admired Gary's commitment and passion for our shared pro-life and pro-family values. Gary has always been a forceful, unapologetic advocate for the sanctity of life and traditional marriage, judicial restraint and a strong American foreign policy based on our values."

Christian conservative James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, has endorsed GOP challenger Mike Huckabee a former governor of Arkansas.