Columbia, SC (LifeNews.com) -- In what could prove to be a crucial endorsement in a key early primary battleground state, the top pro-life group in South Carolina has endorsed Fred Thompson. South Carolina Citizens for Life tells LifeNews.com that it wants the former Tennessee senator to be the Republican presidential nominee.

Holly Gatling, the group's executive director, said her organization believes "Fred Thompson is the pro-life candidate in the strongest position to defeat pro-abortion Rudy Giuliani and then to defeat the pro-abortion Democrat nominee."

Gatling pointed out that the group appreciated his 100 percent record on pro-life issues in the Senate and said he "believes in the sanctity of human life and that every life is worthy of respect."

She said he also oppose embryonic stem cell research and human cloning.

The group is the state affiliate of National Right to Life, which backed Thompson last month, but is a separate entity that could have chosen another presidential candidate to support.

Senator Thompson issued a statement saying he appreciated the backing.

"I'm blessed and deeply grateful to have the endorsement of the South Carolina Citizens for Life for President of the United States," Thompson said.

"These folks know my record, and they appreciate the fact that I have stood with them yesterday, I stand with them today, and will stand with them tomorrow," he added. "They know I believe in the sanctity of life and as President I will do all that I can to protect life."

In the statement sent to LifeNews.com, Thompson said the SCCL endorsement carries "a significant amount of influence with voters in South Carolina."