GOP Hopefuls Stress Social Issues in Iowa

The five potential Republican presidential candidates appearing at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition gathering Monday stressed the importance of social issues, Politico reports. The forum included former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer and radio commentator Herman Cain.

Roemer

They went after gay marriage, activist judges and expressed support for the effort to defund Planned Parenthood.

Faith and Freedom Coalition head Ralph Reed emphasized the importance of focusing on social issues. “If you turn your backs on the pro family, pro life constituency, ... you will be consigned to permanent minority status," he said.

“Some have suggested that we call a truce on social and moral issues. ... I’d like to have a leader who can walk and chew gum at the same time.”