I cited this article earlier about a CBS poll that found abortion and gay marriage ranking below the Iraq War and health care as the top issues concerning evangelical voters. Another interesting element of the CBS piece is that it highlights the difference between candidates affirming their commitment to Christian values, and their real-life piety.
Support for abortion rights isn't this year's only GOP heresy. Candidates like Giuliani, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Fred Thompson have trouble even talking about their faith -- and their church attendance.
"I don't attend regularly," Thompson said.
"The most important thing is that I am a Christian and I don't have anything else to say about the issue," McCain said.
"I am not running for religious office," Giuliani said.
It might be the one instance in which I agree with Giuliani, but this is clearly a topic of concern for the voters gathered here. The front runners might talk the talk, at least in front of this crowd, but these voters want them to back it up, too. I'm curious to see how Giuliani plays it, and if Romney will get traction for spending time in the pew -- even if it's the wrong sort of pew.
--Kate Sheppard
