Alan Lee Keyes (born August 7, 1950) is an American conservative political activist, author and former diplomat, and perennial candidate for public office.He ran for President of the United States in 1992,1996, 2000, and 2008, and was a Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1988, 1992, and 2004. Keyes served in the U.S. Foreign Service, was appointed Ambassador to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations under President Ronald Reagan, and served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs from 1985 to 1987.