Pat Robertson has named former U.S. Rep. Randy Tate to serve as executive director of the Christian Coalition, and onetime Reagan Cabinet member Don Hodel to head the powerful group founded by the televangelist.
Hodel, 61, will replace Robertson as president and serve as chief executive officer in charge of day-to-day operations. The announcement was made Wednesday.Tate, of Washington state, will work for Hodel and focus on political strategy and grass-roots organizing.
Tate replaces Reed as executive director. Reed, who parlayed the post into one of national prominence, will open a political consulting firm.
Over the past eight years the coalition has become a potent force in conservative politics with 1.8 million members and 1,900 chapters nationwide. The group received more than $20 million in donations in 1996.