(RNS) The Republican National Committee has hired the former head of the Gospel Music Association to oversee entertainment during the party’s upcoming convention in New York City, The New York Times reported.

Frank Breeden, who headed the GMA from 1997 to 2003, was widely credited for helping advance Christian music during his tenure. He told The Times he hopes to bring country, gospel and Broadway music to the GOP convention.

Breeden admitted most entertainers who engage in politics tend to support Democratic nominee John Kerry. Some actors and singers have told him they support President Bush, he said, but are reluctant to do so publicly out of fear that it may damage their careers.

“For whatever reason, on the Democratic side of things, the celebrities who have an affinity with that party tend to be more activist and tend to get more headlines,” he said.