| With
an emphasis on several key social issues, Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., is focusing
on his social conservative record to mount a run for the White House. "[F]or
goodness sakes, the last thing we need in America is to take God out of our public
lives and institutions!" Brownback said in announcing his candidacy. "To
walk away from the Almighty is to embrace decline for a nation. To embrace Him
leads to renewal... for individuals and for nations." Brownback said
his faith -- he converted to Catholicism in 2002 -- steered him toward his positions
on social issues. After getting elected to finish Sen. Bob Dole's term, vacated
when Dole made an unsuccessful run for president in 1996, Brownback emerged as
a pro-life champion, vocally supporting restrictions on abortion and embryonic
stem cell research. He also is campaigning on his defense of the "institution
of marriage" and promoting religious freedom legislation. Brownback
also credits his faith for his support of humanitarian issues. He has defended
President Bush's guest worker program on immigration reform and is one of the
strongest voices demanding that the United States do more to end the genocide
in Darfur. On the Iraq war, Brownback has spoken out against President
Bush's increase in troops in Baghdad and told reporters that "Iraq requires
a political rather than a military solution." "The best way to
reach a democratic Iraq is to empower the Iraqis to take responsibility for their
own nation-building," he said. | 
