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Paul Weyrich Fairfax, Va.

Résumé:

Weyrich is an institution builder who does outreach to conservative activists. On Wednesdays, he presides over a luncheon attended by 50 to 70 conservative leaders who hear presentations by members of Congress, presidential candidates, and other public figures. He runs three other coalition meetings. The emphasis is on cultural and national-security issues.

Heads the Free Congress Foundation; co-founder of the Heritage Foundation.

Power/Influence:

Because Weyrich is a trusted and informed source, he has credibility and influence throughout the conservative movement. Nor is he afraid to stand up to politicians when he disagrees with them. Weyrich tells Newsmax: “My father was a blue-collar worker, but he was very well educated by his own initiative. He was a strong Catholic conservative. He taught me basic principles, which I use to this day. I am motivated by my family. I hope my father, watching us from above, is proud of what my good wife Joyce and I have done. Being the sinner that I am, I only hope at the last judgment the Lord can say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.'

Who Knew: He is an ordained protodeacon in the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Since 2001, a spinal injury has left Weyrich in a wheelchair.

 

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