Santorum Campaign Endorsed by Evangelical Leaders in Iowa

'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 Gov. 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.' (Rick Santorum)

P>URBANDALE, Iowa (Catholic Online) - While most of the media focused on a supposed slide in the poll  numbers of newt Gingrich and an alleged rise in the favorability ratings of the current President, Rick Santorum's "little engine that could" campaign in Iowa continued its uphill climb.

While much of the main stream media focused on the possibility that Ron Paul and his followers may take the first position in Iowa, the candidate who no one even expected to survive up till this point, Rick Santorum, is now rising in the Iowa polls.

On Tuesday, the former Senator from Pennsylvania received two substantial endorsements; substantial that is for people who understand Politics in Iowa and are watching the real story.

Bob Vander Plaats is the President of The Family Leader in Iowa. It is a very effective, grass roots citizens organization dedicated to the defense of life, marriage and the family. It also has an action arm. He was the State Chair for the "Huckabee for President" campaign in 2007-08 and is credited with helping the former Governor win the Caucus victory back then.

I wrote extensively about the Governors campaign. Huckabee surprised many pundits when he won the Iowa Caucuses in the last election. On Tuesday, December 20, 2011, Vander Plaats personally endorsed Rick Santorum.

Speaking at a Press conference, Vander Plaats said , "I believe Rick Santorum comes from us, just not to us, he comes from us. I see him as a champion for the family in the U.S. House, I see him as a champion for the family in the U.S. Senate, as a champion for the family.I really believe he could be Huckabee in this race."

The former Senator from Pennsylvania also received the endorsement of Chuck Hurley, an attorney who serves as the President of the Iowa Family Policy Center, the educational outreach of the Iowa Family Leader. Hurley also spoke at a Press Conference. He asked  Iowa caucus-goers "to take a close look at Rick, to study the scripture, to pray hard and vote their conscience. Above all, we answer to God for our vote."

Senator Santorum said of these two important endorsements, "I am truly honored to receive Bob and Chuck's endorsement today. 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 Gov. 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."

I interviewed Governor Huckabee twice in 2007 for Catholic Online.  The lengthier interview can still be read here. As the Governor's responses show, his positions on the vital issues of our age were and are very similar to Senator Rick Santorum.

That is why I was not surprised to hear that read that Bob Vander Plaats, credited with helping Governor Huckabee in his own "Iowa Surprise", and Chuck Hurley, have decided to support Rick Santorum. I wonder when Mike Huckabee will signal his intention. He has not given any indication of whom he will endorse.I would not be surprised if it was Santorum. 

At the Huckabee Republican Presidential Candidate forum held on December 3, 2011, Rick Santorum was the last to give a concluding comment. He refuses to separate the moral issues from all of the other issues. He knows they are foundational to America, which he rightly calls a moral enterprise:

"Everyone says we need a truce on social issues that we need to focus on jobs and the economy.  But what is at the heart of this country is that America is a moral enterprise and we are sick at the heart of our country - when we see millions of children being aborted and marriage not being defended.  A truce is not a truce, it is surrender.  I will not surrender; I will fight and defend America."

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It is clear his efforts are bearing fruit.

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