You know a once-proud political powerhouse has fallen apart when it can’t even pay its bills. The Christian Coalition, formed 16 years ago by TV preacher Pat Robertson, may have, at one time, been synonymous with the religious right political movement, but now, instead of scaring lawmakers, it’s dodging debt collectors.
Last year, the Coalition’s law firm sued the group for unpaid legal fees. Shortly thereafter, the Coalition’s direct mail company sued the group for unpaid bills. (All the while, the Coalition was also the subject of a racial discrimination lawsuit.) Now, as Jesse Lee noted this morning, the group’s printing company has filed suit, claiming the Coalition still owes over $13,000 in unpaid postage.
It’s almost enough to make me feel sorry for these guys. Almost.
The once influential Christian Coalition has struggled to raise money and pay its bills, but the group’s executive director says it will survive.
Once a voice for traditional family values, the group has moved its headquarters to Charleston, where national Executive Director Roberta Combs spends most of her time. The group had as many as 25 paid full-time staffers at its headquarters in Washington in its heyday in 1994, but now has 10 full-time staff there.
“The coalition as we knew it doesn’t exist,” says Lois Eargle, the former chairwoman of the Horry County Christian Coalition.
About a year ago, the Christian Coalition claimed, rather ridiculously, that it was making a comeback. It was going to distribute 30 million voter guides to help Republicans to evangelical voters. It was going to spend $4.2 million in election-year efforts. It was going to train an army of volunteers at the Republican National Convention.
None of those things happened. Despite its one-time roll as a dominant political force, the Christian Coalition has become irrelevant and may very well stand on the brink of bankruptcy.
Pat Robertson is gone, so is Ralph Reed. A vibrant network of state affiliates dwindled to only a handful. As new religious right groups gained influence (Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, Traditional Values Coalition, American Family Association, and others), the Coalition found itself unable to compete in a crowded landscape. Complicating matters, the CC was forced to endure multiple investigations by the IRS and FEC for abusing its tax-exempt status and illegally participating in partisan campaign activities. It’s been left with no leadership, no staff, no money, and no members.
So long, Christian Coalition. You won’t be missed.