By Peter J. Smith
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 17, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Alan Keyes, a former US ambassador and articulate defender of pro-life and pro-family values, has now announced his own intention to enter the Republican presidential primary.
Keyes declared his candidacy Friday and stated on the nationally syndicated Janet Parshall radio program that not only would he be joining the nine other Republican contenders in the primary, but he would also be participating in tonight's Values Voter Debate in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
"I will be participating in the Values Voter Debate on Monday as a candidate, and I will be trying my best - as I forever have, in the course of the years that I have been involved at this level in politics," Keyes said.
"There isn't a standout," Keyes told Parshall in explaining his decision to run saying there needed to be someone who could clearly express the "key kernel of truth that must, with courage, be presented to our people." Keyes said that he felt "like a lot of folks" who have been "unmoved" by the other candidates - including staunchly pro-life and conservative candidates Sen. Sam Brownback, Gov. Mike Huckabee, and Rep. Ron Paul - saying none of them possessed a "forthright, clear, and clarion declaration."
Keyes also told supporters on the website RenewAmerica that he had filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Friday making official his 3rd run for the White House.
While Keyes is known nationally as an eloquent defender of life, marriage, and family, he also is known for his unsuccessful ventures. He ran for Maryland Senate in 1992, 1998; the White House in 1996, 2000; then in 2004 relocated to Illinois to make an unsuccessful challenge to Barack Obama for Senate at the behest of state Republicans desperate for a champion after their own candidate withdrew in disgrace.
"The one thing I've always been called to do is to raise the standard," said Keyes, "of our allegiance to God and His authority that has been the foundation stone of our nation's life."
Keyes entry into the race makes him the second black candidate running for president, placing him opposite Democratic contender Barack Obama. Keyes previously said that Obama had to be stopped saying he had taken a "wicked and evil position" through his radical support of abortion.
See previous coverage on Alan Keyes by LifeSiteNews.com:
Dobson, Keyes to Highlight Massive Pro-Marriage Rally in Washington
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/oct/04100705.html
Alan Keyes Comes out Swinging on Abortion as Illinois Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/aug/04081007.html
ALAN KEYES SAYS "RACISTS IN THE MEDIA" DENY COVERAGE
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2000/feb/00022304.html
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"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"
