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One of the most powerful leaders in conservative evangelical Christianity has discouraged his colleagues from supporting Fred Thompson as a presidential candidate.

James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, sent a private e-mail to many of his fellow religious right leaders criticizing some of the Republican contender’s stances and statements, according to the Associated Press.

Though considered a potential favorite among Bible Belt conservative voters in the presidential primaries, ex-senator and actor Fred Thompson told Republicans in South Carolina on September 10 that he is not a regular churchgoer and does not plan to talk about his beliefs in the campaign.