Rev. Graham ad: Choose candidates based on biblical principles

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Reverend Billy Graham is featured in a full page ad in today's Wall Street Journal.

The ad is pushing voters to choose candidates based on biblical principles, which include supporting marriage between a man and woman.

This comes a week after the reverend met with Republican presidential candidate Governor Mitt Romney.  After that meeting, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association removed Mormonism from its listing as a cult on its website.

The newspaper advertisement, featuring a picture of Graham, reads, "The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God."

When you stack the presidential candidates side by side, Democrat Barack Obama is pro-choice and supports marriage for same-sex couples. 

Romney is pro-life and believes in the concept of traditional marriage between a man and woman.

Eyewitness News asked Graham's representatives and voters if the ad is an indirect endorsement for Romney.

The BGEA responded with a statement that said, "The ads intentionally do not mention any candidate, political party, or contest, urging instead for readers to cast votes for candidates -- at all levels -- based on their support for biblical values."

Eyewitness News stopped by an early voting site to see what voters thought about the ad.

Obama supporter Emery Anderson said, "You're being very sneaky and insidious about endorsing a candidate without saying the actual words." 

While Romney supporter Tom Duzan said, "I personally am a Christian and like to vote based on my spiritual beliefs and values and I would tend to vote for a candidate that values that as well. I don't have any problem with Billy Graham."

Both men agreed the ad will not sway any voters who already have their minds made up.

Political expert Dr. Michael Bitzer said historically, any push to support biblical principles has generally appealed to the Republican Party. Bitzer said he believes the ad could be a driver for any undecided voters who are leaning towards Romney.

In addition to the Wall Street Journal, Graham's advertisement will also run in USA Today and newspapers in as many as a dozen states over the next few weeks.

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