Rick Santorum Gets the Backing of Prominent Iowa Conservative

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania announced on Monday that his bid for the Republican presidential nomination had won the backing of one of the most prominent conservatives in Iowa -- Chuck Laudner. Iowa is the home of the first presidential caucus. Laudner has been executive director of the state Republican Party and in charge of Iowa for Freedom, the conservative political organization that in 2010 helped remove three state Supreme Court justices who backed same-sex marriage.

"I am thrilled to have Chuck's endorsement, Santorum said in a statement released on Monday. Chuck has been a leading voice for the Republican Party in Iowa and for conservative values. Chuck was an influential leader in the campaign to unseat Supreme Court justices that took it upon themselves to redefine marriage, and he has been a loyal and trusted counselor to one of our nation's brightest conservative stars in Congress -- Steve King -- which speaks volumes for Chuck's ability and principles. I am greatly looking forward to working with Chuck as we work toward victory in the Iowa caucuses."