FRC's Tony Perkins: Mitt Romney Seizes Opportunity in Liberty University Commencement Address

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May 12, 2012, 01:36 ET

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, a graduate of Liberty University, made the following comments in response to Governor Mitt Romney's commencement address earlier today at the University:

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"Today's address was a tremendous opportunity for Governor Mitt Romney to communicate to social conservatives through one of the largest conservative evangelical venues in the country and Mr. Romney seized it by emphasizing the shared values he holds with evangelicals even while acknowledging theological differences. In his well-delivered speech, he accentuated the core values issues that are essential to a strong nation and of great importance to evangelicals. None of these are more fundamental than marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

"Mitt Romney picked up on the message that energized Rick Santorum's campaign: America's financial greatness is directly tied to moral and cultural wholeness. Mitt Romney's address gives me a sense of hope that he will build on this message at a time when millions of voters are reeling from President Obama's endorsement for redefining marriage.

"I commend the students who were very respectful even though some had expressed reservations about Mitt Romney as a commencement speaker. This was a good day for Liberty University and a great day for the legacy of Liberty's founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell," concluded Perkins.

SOURCE Family Research Council