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Christian Right Isn't Singing the Praises of GOP Candidates

Evangelicals meet today to seek agreement

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2007 11:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – Crowded as the GOP field may be, the religious right can't seem to find a congenial candidate. The Washington Post reports that evangelicals—today beginning a 2-day summit—remain unmoved no matter how sweetly Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and John McCain come calling. And the idea of a Rudy Guiliani nomination has a few threatening to back a third-party candidate.

Christian leaders are suspicious of Romney's Mormon faith, and Thompson loses points for refusing to endorse a same-sex-marriage ban. They're alarmed by Giuliani's stance on abortion, stem cell research, and gay rights. The expected departure of favorite Sam Brownback leaves many without a clear preference. "Nobody has rung the bell yet," says one minister.

Republican presidential hopeful Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, left, speaks while former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., right, listen during the GOP Presidential candidates debate... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during the GOP Presidential candidates debate at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, in Dearborn,... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn. speaks during the GOP Presidential candidates debate at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, in Dearborn,... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition forum Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, in Washington .(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) (Associated Press)

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Christian Right Isn't Singing the Praises of GOP Candidates

Evangelicals meet today to seek agreement

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