Social-conservative group backs Fred Upton's primary foe

The socially conservative Eagle Forum has endorsed against Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), the latest worrisome sign for the House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman in his race against former Michigan state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk (R).

"Now more than any other time in our history, we need solid conservatives, not just 'go along to get along' politicians in Congress," Eagle Forum head Phyllis Schlafly said in a statement. "We know Jack Hoogendyk is a conservative leader whom we can trust to stand strong on the life and marriage issues and to fight to reduce spending by the federal government."

Hoogendyk held Upton to 57 percent of the vote last election despite being outspent by $2 million to $62,000, and is back for another run. 

This time the deep-pocketed, fiscally conservative Club for Growth is keeping close tabs on the race, and while it hasn't officially endorsed Hoogendyk, it has already run ads against Upton. Should the group choose to spend heavily on the race, it could make a big difference.

The Family Research Council, another major social-conservative group, endorsed Upton in late April.

---