James Dobson

The early reaction in Colorado to GOP presidential hopeful John McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate has been impromptu excitement by Republicans and dismissal by Democrats as a bad choice that won't affect the presidential race in the state.

Palin was universally lauded by Colorado conservatives, though for different reasons - the lack of an early common theme was likely because McCain's selection of Palin came as a surprise to most.

The founder of the Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family is backtracking from previous comments made about U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Dr. James Dobson once said he wouldn't vote for McCain "under any circumstances", though in a radio show airing today, he walks back from those statements saying he might endorse the Republican presidential nominee.

Is he being a good soldier or is it a sign of the diminished influence of the evangelical conservative movement?

Jan. 13, 2007: "Speaking as a private individual, I would not vote for John McCain under any circumstances."

July 21, 2008: "I never thought I would hear myself saying this... While I am not endorsing Senator John McCain, the possibility is there that I might." 

You know its Friday because you get the latest comments, emails, and threats from Wally's World with Wally's lame replies. If that doesn't set you up for a great weekend, then you're probably considered quite normal.

The downfall of the Christian Right in Colorado can't be pinned on any one cause, but in part it can be traced back to several key characters who show up repeatedly in several key parts of the tragedy. In today's Inside Edge we'll take a look at how the saved and the sinner's alike share a time in the wilderness.   

U.S. Sen. John McCain: Getty Images PhotoJohn McCain's presidential campaign has spurned an invitation from James Dobson to visit Focus on the Family's headquarters in Colorado Springs, according to political columnist Robert Novak.

In a statement to PolitickerCO.com, Focus on the Family senior vice-president for public policy Tom Minnery said, "We’ve had conversations with the McCain staff, and they haven’t been productive."

A Focus on the Family spokesperson said she didn't know any specifics about what was discussed in those conversations, nor when the conversations took place.