Talk Show Host Endorses Senator McCain

WASHINGTON — Seeking to burnish his credentials among social conservatives, Senator McCain yesterday announced that he had secured the support of a conservative Christian talk-show host in Iowa, a key early primary state.

In a statement released by Mr. McCain's exploratory committee,

Maxine Sieleman praised Mr. McCain for his "consistent record supporting pro-life, pro-family legislation" and his commitment to appointing "strict constructionist judges."

Ms. Sieleman is the founder of the Iowa chapter of Concerned Women for America, which advocates bringing "biblical principles" to public policy. She has also hosted a show on a Christian radio station in Des Moines since 1982.

The announcement of Ms. Sieleman's support comes less than a week after a conservative Christian leader, James Dobson, said he would not support the Arizona senator under any circumstances because he was not a strong enough supporter of traditional marriage values. Mr. McCain said he would reach out to Mr. Dobson, who founded the group Focus on the Family.