Contact: Bob Sturm, 703-396-6974; after 6 PM Eastern time, Vi Shields or Bob Sturm, 703-906-6542 or 703-368-1812

MANASSAS, Va., Sept. 21 /Christian Newswire/ -- Richard A. Viguerie, author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big-Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause (Bonus Books, 2006), issued the following statement regarding former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's latest campaign ad:

"At last, a top-tier presidential candidate is paying attention to the discouraged, disheartened, and disillusioned base of the Republican Party.

"I commend Mitt Romney for urging the GOP leadership to return to its conservative values.

"By releasing an ad chastising the Republican leadership for its excessive spending, immigration amnesty, and ethical slackness, Governor Romney has taken a small but significant step toward reclaiming the GOP for the grassroots conservatives who are its backbone.

"The 2008 election is about change. If the Republicans are willing to repent of their Democrat-like ways, they have a chance to win. If not, they will deservedly lose many more Congressional seats and the White House in 2008.

"Governor Romney's ad shows that he understands that the Republican Party can't reach the political promised land without new leaders who cherish and practice proven conservative ideals and principles.

"Grassroots conservatives can be heartened by Gov. Romney's nod to our values, and we should encourage the other top-tier candidates to follow and expand on his lead."

Richard A. Viguerie pioneered ideological and political direct mail and has been called "the funding father of the conservative movement" for his role in helping build dozens of conservative organizations. He is the author of Conservatives Betrayed--How George W. Bush and Other Big-Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause (Bonus Books, 2006).