FRC's Tony Perkins Considers Run for Congress

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins reportedly is considering a run for Congress from Louisiana's Sixth District, a seat held by Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy, who is planning next year to challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu.

According to LaPolitics (subscription required), Perkins, who once was a state representative, hasn't made it official but is talking about a possible campaign.

"I’ve been encouraged by many people to consider getting in and I’m thinking about it,” Perkins told the publication, which covers Louisiana politics. “It’s an attractive prospect to be closer to home.”

The FRC, which Perkins heads, is a Washington, D.C.,-based Christian right-leaning think tank that the Southern Poverty Center has labeled an anti-gay hate group.

Perkins, who has described the tea party as a "civil awakening," has made headlines for his strong religious and political views. He has taken a tough stance, for instance, against same-sex marriage.

In July, the Council organized "Ex-Gay Pride Month," which centered on supporting "former homosexuals, individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions, and their families." The event followed Gay Pride month, which was in June.

Perkins has also taken on the Republican Party on occasion for what he called its waffling on conservative and social issues.

Back in April, for example, he encouraged religious conservatives not to contribute a dime to the party until it grows "a backbone" and starts defending core principles, like standing up against same-sex marriage.

A few days later, the Republican National Committee reaffirmed its opposition to gay marriage at its spring meeting.