Topeka ? The president of the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue has endorsed Texas Congressman Ron Paul for the Republican presidential nomination.

Troy Newman’s endorsement was released Thursday by Paul’s campaign, two days ahead of voting in the Kansas GOP presidential caucuses. Operation Rescue has its headquarters in Wichita.

Many abortion opponents, including leaders of the anti-abortion group Kansans for Life, are supporting former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum in the presidential race.

But in a recorded message distributed by the Paul campaign, Newman said Paul will fight to ban abortion and is the only candidate truly committed to defending the U.S. Constitution.

Paul planned appearances Friday in Topeka, Wichita and Lawrence.