Key Leaders
At the helm of this organization is Gary L. Bauer, longtime conservative activist who unsuccessfully ran for President of the United States in 2000.
Bauer is well known for his ties to Christian leader, James Dobson and is credited with the growth of the Family Research Council, a political offshoot of Dobson’s Focus on the Family.
Bauer has had a voice in Washington, DC for decades, and much of his work with AV is devoted to maintaining his own personal prestige. Beyond his public appearances, Bauer serves as founder and chairman of the Campaign for Working Families PAC, and is a regular commentator for major news outlets. He speaks as a hard-line conservative on issues ranging from abortion to U.S. relations with China.
Bauer has been at the center of controversies both for his political views and personal dalliances. While he denies any wrongdoing, Bauer was accused of having an affair with a 26-year-old staffer during his presidential campaign. Both executive boards of Family Research Council and Focus on the Family “warned him to not travel alone with her or meet behind closed doors for extended periods.” Nine of Bauer’s campaign staffers ended up resigning in light of the scandal.
AV's board of four members includes Bauer, Jack Markle, a real estate investor and board member for the ultra-conservative Center for Arizona Policy, and each or their wives
Organizational Background and Activities
AV looks like a front group for, by, and about Gary Bauer. From daily blogs to media interviews, it appears that much of AV’s charitably gifted resources are directed toward keeping Bauer in the public spotlight
Like Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum, AV’s focus issues seem to be defined by Gary Bauer’s personal ideology and preferences. While seeking to be a voice for conservative “values” issues—defined by AV as bans on same-sex marriage, criminalizing abortion, support of school vouchers, and promotion of religion in the government—AV also takes positions on national security and international affairs issues.
Bauer puts out two daily reports (email or fax) for the organization: one on general happenings of interest to him, and the other on military affairs.
Address
American Values (AV)
2800 Shirlington Road
Suite 950
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: (703) 671-9700
Fax: (703) 671-1680
E-mail: gary.bauer@mail.amvalues.org
Funding and Budget
American Values is recognized as a “Private Foundation” and, like a non-profit, is entitled to tax-free donations. Most similar organizations, however, are organized as public charities. By not being a public charity, AV doesn't have to have a diverse source of funding. Yet as a private foundation, AV is still barred from any kind of lobbying.
Fiscal Year 2004
Income: $872,771
Expenses: $859,959
Net Gain: $12,812
Assets: $1,238,566
View their IRS Form 990 at GuideStar.org (login required)
