Alan Lee Keyes is an American political activist, author and former diplomat, and perennial candidate for public office. He ran for President of the United States in 1996, 2000, and 2008, and was the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1988, 1992, and 2004. Keyes served in the U.S. Foreign Service, was appointed Ambassador to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations under President Ronald Reagan, and served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs from 1985 to 1987. He is known for his Christian Dominionist views on the role of government and societal issues.