`God's Congresswoman' Seeks Cash On Christian Radio.

In an attempt to raise more money for a likely Senate run, U.S. Rep. Linda Smith (R-Wash.) has reportedly turned to the large evangelical Christian radio audience.

In May Smith, a close ally of the Religious Right, appeared with Christian talk-show host Jane Chastain to ask for donations, according to a story in Roll Call, a newspaper serving Capitol Hill.

While on the air, Smith, who was recently proclaimed "God's Woman in Congress" by Charisma & Christian Life magazine, gave out her campaign's address and telephone number while appealing for contributions.

The action raises church-state concerns. Christian radio stations are often tax-exempt, and any use of such a station for partisan political ends could jeopardize that exemption. Federal tax law bars tax-exempt organizations from electioneering.

According to The Columbian, a Vancouver, Wash., newspaper, Smith is "looking outside the state to conservative Christian audiences for a chunk of the $4 million to $7 million she will likely need."

Smith, as a freshman in the 104th Congress, was one of the most ardent supporters of campaign finance reform and legislation to limit campaign spending, ban PAC contributions and restrict fundraising to only in-district contributors. However, on Chastain's radio program, Smith said she was looking outside the state of Washington for campaign donations because she will be targeted by pro-choice groups with an abundance of money.

The Columbian quoted Smith as saying that "There's big (campaign) money in the abortion industry ... This will have to be a national campaign because all over the country the abortion industry is going to come after me."