CPAC under fire over gay conservative group

A conservative group has backed out of the annual CPAC conservative political conference, citing the participation of a gay Republican group.

The American Principles Project president Frank Cannon wrote an open letter yesterday to CPAC chair David Keene, saying that his group could not participate in the conference because of GOProud's role in the event.

"Having now examined closely GOProud’s mission and its behavior since its inception, we can only conclude that the organization’s purposes are fundamentally incompatible with a movement that has long embraced the ideals of family and faith in a thriving civil society. They have further defined themselves with their attacks on Senator Jim DeMint, one of the key leaders of this year’s conservative victory," wrote Cannon.

"A sound conservatism stands equally upon the pillars of fiscal responsibility, limited government, and traditional values. To actively seek to undermine or destroy one of these ‘legs’ of the conservative foundation is to endanger the movement as a whole. By allowing GOProud to be a prominent part of CPAC 2011, Mr. Keene and the American Conservative Union have demonstrated a dangerous disregard for the importance of faith, marriage, and the family in our conservative values," said APP executive director Andy Blom in a statement.

As Ben and I reported Sunday, GOProud and tea party activists unveiled a letter to GOP congressional leaders this week urging them not to pursue social issues.

UPDATE: GOProud chairman Christopher Barron emails "Jim DeMint took a position on gay teachers contrary to the one taken by President Ronald Reagan more than 30 years ago. If the choice is whether to stand with DeMint or Reagan - we will choose the Gipper every time."