Conservative Evangelicals--"THE LEGACY GROUP".

Ever Heard Of The Legacy?
Out of the public eye, about 140 of the nation's wealthiest social and moral conservatives sequestered themselves at a Washington, D.C. hotel this week. Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) stopped by for lunch. MA Gov. Mitt Romney took their questions at dinner. Susan Allen, the wife of Sen. George Allen, hosted tea. In their own words, these conservatives are working to change the world.

At first glance, the operational secrecy and trappings of The Legacy --- that's what they call themselves -- "Legacy" -- lends itself to conspiracy theories. But The Legacy has an age-old -- and quite transparent -- mission.

According to several participants in this week's conference -- one of whom is a member -- the Legacy's origins are humble. In 2003, a half-dozen conservative couples -- regular donors to conservative and Republican causes and campaigns -- decided to pull together a network of like-minded families. They were inspired by Pres. Bush's call for "compassionate conservatism," which they interpreted broadly. The group decided to convene private meetings, where candidates seeking their financial support would take questions on subjects ranging from the environment to the death penalty to slavery in the third world. And if candidates demonstrated their commitment to the same principles, the group would reward them by bundling donations from its members to their campaigns. In '04, the group steered money to Senate candidates John Thune in SD and Mel Martinez in FL. (A senior Republican campaign official says the group was a "great help.") This year, Sen. Rick Santorum and MD LG Michael Steele will get the bundled donations.

The group meets twice each year, once in Washington in winter and once every summer in Colorado Springs. The latter conclave brings together members and their families. There's even a kids program.

Two confirmed members of the group: Walden Media billionaire Phillip Anschutz and Steve Friess, the son of wealthy private banker and philanthropist Foster Friess.

Membership is uniquely restrictive. Applicants must be recommended by a current member, who must also vouch for their bona fides. Members must profess their belief in God and pledge their fealty to conservative principles guided by Judeo-Christian values. Most are Protestants; a majority is evangelical. Prospective members must agree to champion small government, a strong national defense and the free-market system. And applicants must be identified leaders in their chosen field, able to influence others and willing to devote themselves to the Legacy's mission. That usually means they are rich. Several conservatives familiar with the group say a proximate Legacy goal is to identify and nurture the next generation of conservative philanthropists -- the heirs to the Scaifes, the Bradleys and the Olins. Legacy intends for 80 percent of its membership to be under 50 years old, so it is always recruiting.

That means the mission of the group is necessarily broad: though there is uniform agreement about the wrongness of gay marriage and the tragedy of abortion, Legacy members take a page from the National Association of Evangelicals' call for civic responsibility -- a concern for the well-being of God's creation, from mercy for the poor to care and stewardship of the planet to the sanctity and dignity of the family. [MARC AMBINDER]

The group has never issued a press release and even those willing to discuss this week's meetings would not reveal the identity of the founders and the board of directors. The stealthy operation keeps prying journalist eyes away, but it's also intended to keep the group free of official Republican Party influence. According to one guest at the meeting, the world of White House DCoS Karl Rove would mean little.

Topics at this week's meeting demonstrate the group's expansive agenda: compassion and social justice. The role of fatherhood. The death penalty. Baroness Carol Cox, who worked with oppressed minorities behind the Iron curtain and in Sudan, discussed ways to end slavery in the third world. Pastor Rick Warren, the author of the Purpose Driven Life, stopped by. So did Jim Daly, the president of Focus on the Family.

Frist was invited to speak about AIDS in Africa. The brother of Romney's deputy chief of staff is a Legacy board member. It is not clear whether the evangelical protestants in the group perceive Romney's Mormon religion to be a liability. But one account suggests that his remarks were well-received. Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) spoke to the group last year. Other potential presidential candidates are angling for invitations.