Robertson Given U.S. Guards Early; Had Cited Threats
WASHINGTON — Republican presidential aspirant Pat Robertson began receiving Secret Service protection Tuesday, officials said.
Robertson is the third candidate to have government-paid security. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a Democrat, and Robertson both asked for protection early, citing threats against them. George Bush is protected as vice president.
Secret Service spokesman Richard Adams said the Treasury Department notified the service Monday to begin guarding Robertson around the clock.
The former television evangelist was concerned that he might be a target of “more fanatic Arab groups” because of his pro-Israel views, Robertson spokesman Scott Hatch said.
The other major presidential candidates will receive Secret Service protection beginning Jan. 1.
The federal government has assigned guards to presidential candidates since Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1968.
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