Conservatives are praising President Bush's selection of Claude Allen as domestic policy adviser. In 2003, Bush nominated Allen (currently deputy secretary at Health and Human Services) to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. But Democrats blocked the nomination.
The conservative Family Research Council (FRC) praised Allen's work at HHS on cloning, stem cell research and abstinence education. "Mr. Allen's appointment is a hopeful sign that President Bush is committed to a pro-family agenda for his second term," said FRC President Tony Perkins. "While we would have liked to have seen Mr. Allen confirmed as a federal judge, his new post within the White House suggests that the 'values voter' will have a strong voice within the administration on policy decisions affecting the family."