From: John King
In: Washington
Posted 8/15/97

Subject: Conservatives Knock Gingrich's Appointment Of Greenwood

A leading Christian conservative activist is highly critical of House Speaker Newt Gingrich's decision to name a moderate Pennsylvania congressman to the House GOP leadership team.

James Dobson of the Colorado-based Focus on the Family organization tells the conservative weekly Human Events that the appointment of Jim Greenwood was the "latest betrayal" by Gingrich of the conservative movement.

The magazine quotes Dobson as saying: "It is profoundly disappointing and disconcerting that Speaker Newt Gingrich has again frustrated and insulted his pro-family and conservative constituents. It is becoming a familiar pattern ... Greenwood is a staunch supporter of abortion, the homosexual activist agenda, and other liberal causes. Given this selection and its implications for policy, can there be any doubt that the speaker has abandoned many of the causes and principles with which he has been identified?"