Huckabee endorsed by boycotting activist

By - Associated Press
Friday, November 09, 2007 - Web Link
Send this news item to a Friend
Sign-up for Daily News Updates

November 9, 2007

Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee announced Thursday he received the endorsement of conservative activist Donald Wildmon, who has frequently led national boycotts against corporations and once accused Mighty Mouse of teaching children to snort cocaine.

Wildmon, founder of the American Family Association and a retired United Methodist minister in Tupelo, Miss., announced his support of the former Arkansas governor in a statement released by Huckabee's campaign.

"I feel that Gov. Huckabee understands the needs of our country and has the ability to lead us in meeting those needs," Wildmon said. Wildmon said his endorsement was a personal one and did not represent an official endorsement from the family association.

Huckabee praised Wildmon as an influential member of the religious community.

"Rev. Wildmon and I share the same values on faith and family, which are key issues for the Republican Party," Huckabee said.

Wildmon's group is known for high-profile boycotts and protests against corporations that sponsor what he views as too much sex or violence on television and in magazines. His targets have included lesbian comedian Ellen DeGeneres' sitcom and adult magazines like Penthouse and Playboy. Wildmon also has attacked the National Endowment for the Arts for using federal money to promote what he considers offensive or anti-Christian artwork.