Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell has picked up the backing of two prominent pro-life advocates. Both Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council and longtime pro-life activist Phyllis Schlafly say they are supporting the pro-life African-American for RNC chairman.

Perkins told LifeNews.com he normally doesn't get involved in internal political party leadership battles, but he said the party needs a dynamic new leader to take on pro-abortion incoming president Barack Obama.

"The opportunity to see fundamental change in a Republican Party that has lost its way is a compelling reason to support and encourage others to support Ken Blackwell for chairman of the National Republican Committee," Perkins said.

"Ken Blackwell is a true advocate for the fiscal and social values that best uphold and strengthen families," Perkins added, saying he has worked with Blackwell for years.

Perkins applauded Blackwell serving as the vice-chairman of the 2008 Republican Party platform committee that "adopted one of the strongest pro-life, pro-family platforms in history."

Schlafly, the head of Eagle Forum and the Republican National Coalition for Life, is in Blackwell's corner, too.

"Ken Blackwell is a solid social and fiscal conservative who is dedicated to
the principles that brought the Republican Party to power in 1980 and can do
so again," she said. "He has 13 successful campaigns under his belt. He has run for office himself and knows how to win."

Schlafly says Blackwell has a wealth of experienced gained from serving as the mayor of Cincinnati and the Ohio State Treasurer.

She said Blackwell has responded to questionnaires given to all of the candidates for the Republican Party chairmanship and said his responses were "comprehensive and impressive."

Schlafly also cited Blackwell's participation in creating the pro-life platform.

"We are proud of the Platform and Ken Blackwell's commitment to it, and proud to support his candidacy for RNC chairman," she said.

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