CPAC may sever relationship with conservative gay-rights group, new leader says

The new president of the American Conservative Union, Al Cardenas, said Thursday that it will be difficult for CPAC to continue its relationship with GOProud, a conservative gay-rights group.

Cardenas made the comments in an interview with Frum Forum, saying he has been "disappointed with their website and their quotes in the media, taunting organizations that are respected in our movement."

"It's going to be difficult to continue the relationship because of their behavior and attitude," Cardenas said, citing a recent interview in which GOProud Chairman Chris Barron called ACU Foundation Chairman Cleta Mitchell a "bigot."

Barron has since apologized for the comment.

The ACU runs the Conservative Political Action Conference every year. GOProud's inclusion in this year's conference has led to a boycott from several leading conservative organizations and from Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.).

On Thursday, the group had a sizable presence in the exhibit area at CPAC and helped promote real estate mogul Donald Trump's surprise appearance.

"The boycotters are actively looking to undermine CPAC," Barron told The Ballot Box Thursday. "We're looking to being new voices to the table."