Bauer, Gary Lee (1946-…), a conservative activist, was a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000. He dropped out of the race in early 2000 for lack of voter support in the primary elections. Bauer is known for his strong stand against abortion and his criticism of the United States government’s relations with China.
Bauer was born in Covington, Kentucky. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky, in 1968. He received a law degree from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, D.C., in 1973.
Bauer began working for a Washington trade association in 1973. In 1980, he worked on Ronald Reagan’s successful campaign for the U.S. presidency. During Reagan’s two terms in office, Bauer held various positions in the administration, including undersecretary of education and adviser on domestic policy. From 1988 to 1999, Bauer headed the Family Research Council (FRC), a small lobbying group. Under his leadership, the FRC grew into an influential conservative organization, known for its promotion of traditional family values. In early 2000, Bauer became chairman of the Campaign for Working Families, a political action committee he formed in 1996.
