THE US REPORT

Red State editor Erick Erickson, shown here at CPAC 2010, will join CNN as a political contributor. Erickson will be part of the new show John King, USA,and also provide commentary across the network.[Screen Snip/CPAC]Once Lou Dobbs left CNN, the network’s balance in political commentary and news might have tilted 100 percent left. But news this morning suggests the network is at least trying to provide something for conservatives.

At the high profile conservative website Red State, editor Erick Erickson shared a surprise with his readers and fans. Erickson posted the official release naming him as political contributor to CNN. He’ll be on weeknights as part of John King, USA. The show launches Monday, March 22. As part of the agreement, the release said Erickson will also “provide perspective and commentary to other programs across the network.”

Erickson’s writings show him as one of the more thoughtful mainstream conservatives—he listens well but stands pat on small government, lower taxes and the conservative approach of self-reliance. He has been known to chastise politicians of all persuasions, regardless of party.

John King is well-known to most viewers as a national brand tracking politics for the Associated Press as chief political correspondent before joining CNN.

The Red State editor joining CNN will give conservative viewers a reason to tune in.

The US Report wishes Erickson well with his new endeavor. He’s a rising star in the conservative movement and with a background that includes history, political science and law, will be an asset to CNN programming.

In his post at Red State on Tuesday, Erickson said, “Well, CNN made an offer I couldn’t refuse.” (by Kay B. Day/Mar. 17, 2010)