With two weeks to go until the Iowa caucus, three of the Republican presidential hopefuls unveiled the support of leading religious and social conservatives on Tuesday.
Religious and social conservatives in the Republican ranks have greatly influenced the Iowa caucus for more than two decades. In 2008, they helped propel Mike Huckabee to an upset win in the Hawkeye State. In 2000, two dark-horse candidates -- Alan Keyes and Gary Bauer -- had strong showings in Iowa. In 1988, religious leader Pat Robertson finished in second place in Iowa behind Bob Dole and ahead of then-Vice President George H.W. Bush.
Looking to build support with those crucial voters, three of the leading Republicans in the race -- U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania -- won major endorsements on Tuesday that they hope will draw conservatives to their campaigns.
Santorum unveiled two major endorsements. Former Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bob Vander Plaats, now president and CEO of the Iowa Family Leader, and Chuck Hurley, president of the Iowa Family Policy Center, announced that they are backing Santorums bid for the nomination. Vander Plaats has been very active in trying to get the Republican presidential field to back traditional marriage and played a key role in campaigning against three Iowa state Supreme Court justices who ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in 2010.
"I am truly honored to receive Bob and Chuck's endorsement today, Santorum said in a statement.I've had the great pleasure of getting to know them over the past several years. In fact, we campaigned together throughout 2010 as they successfully worked to throw out activist judges who redefined marriage in the Hawkeye State. Their reach and influence covers all corners of Iowa, and I know they did not take this endorsement lightly. This means so much more to our campaign. If their work on behalf of Governor Huckabee four years ago is any indication, I have no doubt they will be a terrific catalyst for our campaign as we continue building momentum in Iowa. Now is the time for conservatives to unite so we can defeat Barack Obama."
Hogan Gidley, who was on board Huckabees team in 2008 and now serves as Santorums national communications director, attempted to contrast his candidates record and those of some of his Republican rivals.
"Conservatives are starting to recognize that Rick is the viable, consistent, conservative alternative to moderates like Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, Gidley said. Rick offers a clear contrast to Barack Obama on important issues like health care, individual mandates and TARP. This endorsement, like previous endorsements, is a clear indicator that Rick's record of conservative victories is attracting those who want to beat this president and his radical liberal agenda.
While Santorum won the backing of Vander Plaats, Bachmanns camp sought to remind Iowa voters that the Family Leader, as an organization, remained neutral in the race.
The Bachmann team brought out three pastors -- Brad Cranston, Matt Floyd and Bill Tvedt -- and religious activist Tamara Scott to respond to Vander Plaats.
Michele Bachmann is a biblically qualified, capable, no-compromise leader who is the only truly consistent conservative in the race, they said in a statement. When the Family Leader presented its pledge to candidates, Michele Bachmann didnt hesitate. She was the first to step forward, sign the pledge and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Family Leader. She endured relentless criticism from liberals as a result, but she never wavered from doing what she knew was right.
The defense of marriage has been the highest priority of Bob Vander Plaats and the Family Leader, and Michele Bachmann has been a bold leader at both the state level and in Washington, D.C.," the statement continued. She has met every criterion that the Family Leader has established. Iowans of faith know that Michele Bachmann, more than any other candidate in the race, can be counted on to defend and encourage the traditional, Christian values that made our country the greatest nation on earth. She remains completely deserving of the Family Leaders full endorsement.
Gingrich, who is still doing well in national polls but losing ground in Iowa, unveiled the endorsement of the Rev. Donald Wildmon, the founder and chairman of the American Family Association and American Family Radio on Tuesday. There are 190 AFR stations across the country including six in Iowa
Don Wildmon has been one of the most important leaders in the country in the battle to uphold our founding principles, Gingrich said. I am humbled and honored to have his endorsement.
"Newt Gingrich recognizes the threat to our country posed by judges and lawyers imposing values upon the country inconsistent with our religious heritage, and has proposed constitutional steps to bring the courts back in balance under the Constitution, Wildmon said. We need someone in the White House who can balance the budget and get the economy moving again. Newt has done it before and I believe he can do it again. I am proud to endorse Newt Gingrich for president.
While Wildmon is based in Mississippi, he will be campaigning for Gingrich in Iowa during the next two weeks.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
