Many of the nation's most prominent and influential conservatives during the two terms of the Bush administration were considered "neoconservative" in their ideological orientation.

Karl Rove, the president's top political adviser, started calling influential social conservatives to reassure them about the pick even before it was announced.

By day's end, Mr. Dobson, one of the most influential evangelical conservatives, welcomed the nomination.

And, analysts say, his personal past - including two divorces - could turn off religious conservatives influential in the Republican primary race.

Several influential conservatives have even suggested that the General should make some grand gesture upon his return, like an apology for excesses during his regime.

Gertrude Himmelfarb is a well-known intellectual historian, but she is also, and in this book primarily, an influential social conservative.

His budget did win some praise from influential conservatives like Representative Jeb Hensarling of Texas.

Two influential conservatives said today that Senate Republicans might have been too quick to attack the Daschle bill.

The Los Angeles Times reports this nugget on how influential social conservatives in Iowa intend to vote: