— Conservative activist Phyllis Schalfly announced Tuesday she has endorsed former state Rep. Bob Onder in the primary for the Republican nomination to replace outgoing Sen. Scott Rupp next November.

In a statement Tuesday, Schalfly – the founder of Eagle Forum – announced her support for the Lake St. Louis physician in his campaign against two other Republicans.

“We know we are getting a fighter with Bob. He isn’t just a reliable vote, he’s an articulate leader, especially on the issues of promoting the culture of life, and fighting Obamacare and the Common Core Curriculum,” she said in a statement distributed by Onder’s campaign. “Onder isn’t a career politician, but a homeschooling Dad who wants to make a difference. That’s a refreshing change in Jefferson City.”

Onder, pulled Schalfly’s support over his two primary rivals – Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger and former state Rep. Vicki Schneider.

“Mrs. Schlafly is truly one of the pioneers, along with Barry Goldwater, William F. Buckley, and Ronald Reagan, of the conservative movement, and to this day she fights the good fight for our founding principles,” he said. “I am deeply honored and humbled by her endorsement.”

Onder leads the cash race in the District 2 battle, ending the most recent financial quarter with more than $81,000 on hand. Gatschenberger, the only incumbent office holder in the race, raised more than $50,000 in the last financial quarter, ending September with nearly $50,000 on hand. And Schneider, despite the fact that she has been raising money for the seat since January 2009, has less than $19,000 in her campaign account –  raising only $8,000 in the most recent fundraising quarter,