by Deal Hudson

The debate among GOP candidates for the presidential nomination will begin in a few minutes.  The latest Washington Post poll shows Sen. Brownback trailing Gov. Mike Huckabee 8% to 5%.

Brownback is probably farther behind now.  Why? Because he and his campaign defended an important principle. 

What principle? Well, it's not really a political principle, it's more important than that. 

It's the principle that we do not help America when we pit conservative, pro-life Christian voters against each other.

In other words, by dividing the pro-life, pro-family, pro-common sense religious voters for the sake of promoting an Evangelical over a Catholic, or vice versa, the country will be the loser.

This is what Rev. Tim Rude does not understand, and I wish he did.

This point is also lost on Huckabee campaign manager, Chip Saltsman, a "life-long Catholic." 

Defense of that principle has probably cost Brownback some Evangelical support and strengthened the support for Gov. Huckabee.

Some will say the squabble between Huckabee and Brownback this past week for an annoying distraction for the voters.

I disagree. The argument over Rev. Rude's e-mail is prophetic warning to religious conservatives in this country.

The outcome of that argument will determine whether the "Religious Right" will continue to grow and evolve as a political force or will have had its final say as a national political movement. 

Source: dealwhudson.typepad.com