Religious Conservatives Hold on in Iowa

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

Religious Conservatives Hold on in Iowa
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Apr 1, 12:39 PM (ET)

By MIKE GLOVER

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - There was a time when any Republican candidate who did not meet the approval of Iowa's religious conservatives was all but doomed to failure in the state's presidential caucus.

As the 2008 race takes shape, these conservatives are no longer the unassailable force they once were, although they remain a powerhouse in Iowa's GOP.

The role of Christian activists in the state is closely watched because of Iowa's leadoff position in the presidential nominating season. At this point, however, there is little sign that activists are uniting behind a candidate or trying to channel the race in a particular direction.


Marlys Popma, a veteran activist in the conservative religious community, listens to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speak during a town hall meeting in Alton, Iowa, in this March 14, 2007. There was a time when any Republican candidate who didn't meet the approval of Iowa religious conservatives was all but doomed to failure in the state's presidential caucus. As the 2008 race takes shape, religious conservatives are no longer the unassailable force they once were, although they remain a powerhouse in Iowa's GOP.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)


"We've become part of the process, we've become political players, instead of this fringe element that people didn't understand when Pat Robertson surprised everybody," said Ed Failor Jr., a lobbyist for Iowans for Tax Relief. The group is closely allied with religious conservatives.

Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20070401/D8O7U0UG0.html

[saltpoint]

1. "Brownback Narrowly Wins GOP Caucus" ? Will that be the headline of

the Des Moines REGISTER next January?

Right now it's a crowded field. I think the thing is still fluid and shifting and unclear, but Brownback has an opportunity if he plays his little cards right.

[rocktivity]

2. CUE THE VONAGE THEME!

And let's hope this spreads. Your fifteen minutes are up, Christo-facsists--we're on to your theocratic agenda, and your having the gall to describe it as God's will!

:woohoo:
rocknation

[joanmj]

3. On the wane.....

even here in colorado springs--James Dobson and focus on the Family isn't Focusing on the Facts...:woohoo: :bounce: