The ACU just announced that Dr. Benjamin Carson will address CPAC this year.

“Dr. Ben Carson represents the optimism and hope of the future of the conservative movement, while at the same time he articulates the deep fiscal and social challenges that our Nation faces,” said ACU Chairman Al Cardenas. “We look forward to welcoming Dr. Carson to the CPAC stage in March.”

Dr. Benjamin Carson is the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. An internationally renowned physician, Dr. Carson has authored over 100 neurosurgical publications, along with five best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller, America the Beautiful, and has been awarded 60 honorary doctorate degrees and dozens of national merit citations. He is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and delivered the keynote address at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast earlier this month.

Dr. Carson made waves with his fantastic speech at the National Prayer Breakfast, and will be a welcome addition to the CPAC lineup.

Update: Dr. Carson said that the White House asked him if they could take a peek at his speech before the National Prayer Breakfast. I’m sure he was very polite when he declined the request.