WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. John McCain has recruited a veteran Christian conservative political operative to serve as an advisor to his likely presidential campaign, the Arizona Republican's latest effort to strengthen ties with social conservatives.

Guy Rodgers, a former national field director for the Christian Coalition, will serve as deputy director of McCain's "Americans of Faith Coalition," the Arizonan’s exploratory committee announced Monday.

In a statement, Rodger's praised McCain's "proven character, public service, military experience, and a common sense conservative political philosophy."

The Arizona senator, who is against a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, had a lukewarm relationship with some social conservative leaders such as Pat Robertson in the 2000 presidential campaign. Robertson and McCain have since resolved their differences.

But last month, Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson told a Dallas radio show he would not support McCain "under any circumstances."

"He's not in favor of traditional marriage, and I pray that we won't get stuck with him," Dobson said.