The FAMiLY LEADER Endorses Pro-Family Candidates for June 5th Republican Primary
Nine Candidates Receive TFL’s Endorsement

Pleasant Hill, Iowa. – The FAMiLY LEADER announces their endorsements of nine pro-family, pro-constitutional candidates for the June 5th Republican primary.

The following new candidates have secured the endorsement of The FAMiLY LEADER because of their proven ability to lead and stand firm for constitutional, conservative pro-family principles.  
•    Joan Acela:  House District 25
•    Dennis Guth:  Senate District 4
•    Jane Jech:  Senate District 36
•    Jeff Mullen:  Senate District 22

The following incumbent candidates have shown bold conservative leadership and have represented their districts well.  They have championed pro-family legislation in the Iowa House these past two years, including strong support of all pro-life legislation.  The FAMiLY LEADER believes they are clearly more qualified than their opponents and deserve this primary election endorsement and their party’s nomination.
•    Rep. Cecil Dolecheck:  House District 24
•    Rep. Joel Fry:  House District 27
•    Rep. Kevin Koester:  House District 38
•    Rep. Jarad Klein:  House District 78
•    Rep. Tom Shaw:  House District 10

The qualifications for an endorsement from The FAMiLY LEADER include the belief that society and government work best when citizens accept a high level of personal responsibility and that the only way our nation can reclaim a God-honoring culture is to defend strong families.  Other key qualifications include the protection of life from conception to natural death and the belief that marriage is a permanent, lifelong commitment between one man and one woman.  The FAMiLY LEADER also only supports candidates who believe it is the duty of parents to oversee the education of their children and that an ethical, free enterprise system is consistent with the biblical notion of stewardship.  Endorsed candidates will be expected to support and defend both the Iowa and U.S. Constitutions.

Chuck Hurley, Vice-President of The FAMiLY LEADER, said, “The FAMiLY LEADER is happy to endorse these nine candidates whose worldview is consistent with the Judeo-Christian principles that will defend and honor issues relating to the family.  We are confident these individuals will honor God with their attitude, behavior, and value system.  We will be praying diligently between now and June 5th for these bold, compassionate conservative candidates.”

Contact: Julie Summa
jsumma@thefamilyleader.org; 515-263-3495, ext.14 (office), 515-210-7475 (cell)

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About The FAMiLY LEADER
The FAMiLY LEADER champions the principle that God is the ultimate leader of the family. Our goal at The FAMiLY LEADER is to honor and glorify God – not a political party, not a candidate and not a program. The FAMiLY LEADER is a Christ-centered organization that will lead with humility and service to strengthen and protect the family. Learn more about the organization at www.thefamilyleader.com/inside-tfl/missionbeliefs.

The FAMiLY LEADER Honors Iowans with “Bold and Courageous” Award
The vote of Iowans Contradicted by JFK Library Award

Pleasant Hill, Iowa. – The FAMiLY LEADER does not agree that Justices Ternus, Streit, and Baker showed courage or “uncommon valor” to warrant a Profile in Courage Award™.  Instead, The FAMiLY LEADER chooses to recognize and honor the approximately 525,000 Iowans who had the courage to remove these three activist Iowa Supreme Court Justices in a resounding referendum by “We the People”.

On November 2, 2010, well above one-half million Iowans (over 54% of all voters) voted to oust all three Iowa Supreme Court Justices who were up for retention.  In a historic retention election, Supreme Court Justices Marsha Ternus, David Baker, and Michael Streit were removed from the bench.  The election of 2010 establishes the first time an Iowa Supreme Court Justice has been rejected by voters since the current retention system began in 1962.

The Profile in Courage Award™ is presented annually to “public servants who have made courageous decisions of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences”.  Caroline Kennedy, President of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, said, “This year’s Profile in Courage Award honorees have shown uncommon valor as public servants.”  The award will be presented today, May 7th, in Boston, MA at the JFK Library.

Bob Vander Plaats, President & CEO of The FAMiLY LEADER, said, “This year’s JFK Library’s award applauds the abuse of power for agenda acceleration.  This elitist award is a direct insult to over one-half million informed and constitutionally astute Iowans who voted to remove three activist judges.  The people of Iowa recognized that the judges making their decision on April 3, 2009, exemplified judicial overreach via their attempt to make and execute law from the bench.”

Vander Plaats concluded, “Iowans should be proud of their stand for freedom rather than their submitting to tyranny.  The Justices’ opinion was neither courageous nor constitutional.  Thus, Iowans made it clear that ‘We the people’ and not ‘We the Courts’ are the final arbiters of this important constitutional and societal matter.”

Contact: Julie Summa
jsumma@thefamilyleader.org; 515-263-3495, ext.14 (office), 515-210-7475 (cell)

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About The FAMiLY LEADER:

The FAMiLY LEADER champions the principle that God is the ultimate leader of the family. Our goal at The FAMiLY LEADER is to honor and glorify God – not a political party, not a candidate and not a program. The FAMiLY LEADER is a Christ-centered organization that will lead with humility and service to strengthen and protect the family. Learn more about the organization at www.thefamilyleader.com/inside-tfl/missionbeliefs.

The FAMiLY LEADER Helps Play Major Role in Passage of Human Trafficking Bill

HF 2390 signed into Law by Governor Terry Branstad

Pleasant Hill, Iowa. – The FAMiLY LEADER was privileged to have helped play a critical role in the passage of HF 2390, a human trafficking and child pornography bill designed to reduce the exploitation of children involved in sex slavery and child pornography.  Among other things, HF 2390 removes the common “mistake of age” defense used by criminals who enslave or exploit young girls and boys, when they make the excuse that they did not know the child was underage.  It also toughens penalties for human traffickers.

In addition, the bill allows more options for prosecutors in child pornography cases.  Child pornographers can now more easily be prosecuted for multiple crimes involving multiple victims.  Prior to HF 2390, offenders were often charged with only one count, even when several children were victimized.

The successful effort to pass this legislation is a result of cooperation with the Iowa Attorney General’s office, especially chief-of-staff Eric Tabor, Representative Walt Rogers, Tamara Scott from Concerned Women for America of Iowa, Shared Hope International, and others.  This joint effort was necessary to successfully pass the bill through shortened legislative deadlines.

Human trafficking worldwide is estimated to be a $32 billion dollar a year “industry,” with 12 to 27 million people enslaved.  Human trafficking in Iowa has proliferated without significant repercussions, as evidenced by the fact that to date, Iowa has had more than 200 cases of human sex trafficking, but only four cases have resulted in convictions.  A major Iowa truck stop, Iowa 80, is known to be one of the major sites in the United States for transporting and purchasing victims of human trafficking.

Prior to this legislation, Iowa’s laws had a “D” rating (on an “A-F” scale) by the Protected Innocence Initiative. The Protected Innocence Initiative is a comprehensive strategy to promote zero tolerance for child sex trafficking.  It is an international partnership between Shared Hope International, www.sharedhope.org, the American Center for Law & Justice, and state groups like The FAMiLY LEADER.

Chuck Hurley, Vice President and key lobbyist for The FAMiLY LEADER, said, “We are blessed to have been a part of this desperately needed, bi-partisan effort to help innocent young girls and boys within Iowa who are victims of pornographers and human traffickers, who are literally modern-day slave traders.  We believe Iowa’s laws are now some of the best in the country, and will be vigorously enforced.”  Chuck met with Shared Hope leaders last October in Washington D.C. to begin work on upgrading Iowa’s laws.  Shared Hope released their “D” rating in December.  Hurley and Attorney General Miller’s lawyers then crafted bill language for Rep. Rogers to introduce in January, and lobbied the bill through final passage and signing yesterday.

About fifty people attended the bill signing of HF 2390 yesterday, including a former victim of human trafficking, many of her supporters, Attorney General Tom Miller, and Governor Branstad’s wife and granddaughter.  The bill will go into effect July 1, 2012.

Bob Vander Plaats, President & CEO of The FAMiLY LEADER, commented, “I applaud the efforts of The FAMiLY LEADER lobbyists Chuck Hurley, Danny Carroll, and Greg Baker who worked tirelessly and persistently alongside Tamara Scott and others to help protect innocent children from abuse and sexual exploitation.”

Contact: Julie Summa

jsumma@thefamilyleader.org; 515-263-3495, ext.14 (office), 515-210-7475 (cell)

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About The FAMiLY LEADER

The FAMiLY LEADER champions the principle that God is the ultimate leader of the family. Our goal at The FAMiLY LEADER is to honor and glorify God – not a political party, not a candidate and not a program. The FAMiLY LEADER is a Christ-centered organization that will lead with humility and service to strengthen and protect the family. Learn more about the organization at www.thefamilyleader.com/inside-tfl/missionbeliefs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Monday, February 6, 2012

The FAMiLY LEADER OBSERVES GOVERNOR BRANSTAD SURRENDERING TO POLITICAL PRESSURE

Pleasant Hill, IA – The FAMiLY LEADER learned this week that Governor Branstad has approved the use of the word “Governor’s” as part of the title of the upcoming 7^th Annual Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning) Youth.

This is an obvious change in his position.  On January 18^th, a spokesman for Governor Branstad’s office told The FAMiLY LEADER that the administration was planning to contact event coordinators and request the exclusion of the word “Governor’s” from the Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth.  The FAMiLY LEADER publicly complimented the Governor’s action via an email alert.

Last week, The FAMiLY LEADER learned the Governor has changed his stance by sending a letter of support to conference personnel saying, “I support the conference and its goal of eliminating bullying and making Iowa schools safe for all students.  I do not object to you including the word ‘Governor’s’ in the conference title.”  Governor Branstad also said, “You have my very best wishes for a successful conference this year and in future years.”  Through this letter, Branstad voices his full support of the mission of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning agenda through his high praise and the lending of his official title, “Governor”, to their conference.

Bob Vander Plaats, President and CEO of The FAMiLY LEADER, says, “Governor Branstad needs to be held accountable for his support of this conference and the promotion of a very radical and dangerous left-wing agenda.”

As a former teacher, coach, and high school principal, Vander Plaats reiterated his and The FAMiLY LEADER’s opposition to harassment and bullying of any type within a school setting.  Bob remarked, “Effective leaders in education provide safe learning environments.  However, effective educational leaders also lead with a focus on academic achievement versus agenda acceleration.  It is greatly disappointing and, frankly, disturbing that Branstad and his administration have chosen to be puppets to a far-left agenda versus being effective educational leaders.”

According to the conference website (http://iowasafeschools.org/content/view/13/82/), the mission of the Annual Iowa Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ Youth is to a) engage and educate students, educators, parents, community leaders, youth-serving professionals, policy makers, and others concerned about issues relevant to the LGBTQ community, and b) encourage networking and activism to inspire our communities to promote diversity, equality, and social justice.  The website also claims goals of eliminating bullying in Iowa schools and creating leadership opportunities for LGBTQ youth.

According to the event’s website, about half of the attendees are students.  The FAMiLY LEADER is particularly disturbed by some of the components of the Governor’s Conference noting that special bathroom instructions are provided in the conference FAQ’s saying “transgender friendly restrooms will be available for the gender any individual identifies with”.  Parents can only conclude that their teenage daughter may well be sharing a restroom with a male who “identifies” as a female.  Also troubling is the fact that exhibitors are allowed to distribute condoms and/or safe sex kits.

The FAMiLY LEADER does not support LGBTQ behavior and believes that a conference of this nature approves, promotes, and accelerates this behavior among students.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “men who have sex with men and persons exposed through high-risk heterosexual contact account for 82% of all HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in 2006”.  Therefore, The FAMiLY LEADER concludes that this conference is encouraging dangerous and unhealthy behavior while claiming to “provide a safe and supportive place in which to learn” as stated on their website.

The sponsors of the conference include the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB), Aviva, and Rockwell Collins.  The FAMiLY LEADER assumes that taxpayer dollars are indirectly being used to support the conference since school districts use taxpayer money for ISBA dues and ISEA is comprised of members whose salaries are paid with public funds.

Vander Plaats commented on the irony of Branstad’s support for a left-wing agenda while former Iowa governors, Vilsack and Culver, chose to remove their title of “Governor” from the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast.  “Vilsack and Culver had no problem upsetting the conservative base when they removed their title from a prayer breakfast, while Branstad surrendered to political pressure and abandoned his alleged conservative principles.”  “Leaders….lead,” expressed Vander Plaats, “Branstad caved.”

Contact:  Julie Summa

Phone:  515-263-3495, ext. 14

Cell Phone:  515-210-7475

Email: jsumma@thefamilyleader.com

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About The FAMiLY LEADER:

The FAMiLY LEADER champions the principle that God is the ultimate leader of the family. Our goal at The FAMiLY LEADER is to honor and glorify God – not a political party, not a candidate and not a program. The FAMiLY LEADER is a Christ-centered organization that will lead with humility and service to strengthen and protect the family. Learn more about the organization at www.thefaimilyleader.com/inside-tfl/missionbeliefs.

The FAMiLY LEADER Board of Directors Makes a Decision

Pleasant Hill, IOWA. – The FAMiLY LEADER is honored to have had the privilege of showing leadership this past year in the Iowa caucus process and is excited to have played a role in this presidential nomination cycle.

The FAMiLY LEADER championed this role beginning with our 99-county tour to build grassroots momentum, followed by our monthly Presidential Lecture Series designed to help Iowans learn the pro-family vision of national leaders.  The FAMiLY LEADER was able to get the candidates on record via our marriage pledge and culminate the process with the  Thanksgiving Family Forum, enabling Americans to learn about the biblical and constitutional worldview of the candidates.  The FAMiLY LEADER has truly held up the standard and let Iowans see how each candidate aligned with that standard.

The FAMiLY LEADER Board of Directors views its role in the 2012 caucus process as a standard bearer versus a kingmaker.  However, The FAMiLY LEADER Board of Directors recognizes that there are thousands of undecided pro-family Iowa caucus goers looking for leadership in this selection process.  Therefore, though The FAMiLY LEADER will remain neutral in this presidential campaign cycle, the board has made a unanimous decision to allow Bob Vander Plaats and Chuck Hurley to make persona endorsements which reflect the board’s unanimity.

Bob Vander Plaats, President & CEO of The FAMiLY LEADER commented, “I am thrilled about the board’s unanimous decision to remain true as a standard bearer while providing a voice of leadership through Chuck and me.” Bob and Chuck endorse Rick Santorum.

Contact: Julie Summa
jsumma@thefamilyleader.com; 515-263-3495, ext.14 (office), 515-210-7475 (cell)

Click here for un-edited video of the news conference

Hi-rez photos: Courtesy of Glen Cornell, CornellMediaDesign.com
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About The FAMiLY LEADER
The FAMiLY LEADER champions the principle that God is the ultimate leader of the family. Our goal at The FAMiLY LEADER is to honor and glorify God – not a political party, not a candidate and not a program. The FAMiLY LEADER is a Christ centered organization that will lead with humility and service to strengthen and protect the family.  Learn more about the organization at www.thefamilyleader.com/inside-tfl/missionbeliefs.

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich Provides Written Response to
The FAMiLY LEADER’s Marriage Pledge

Pleasant Hill, IOWA. – Former Speaker and presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has provided The FAMiLY LEADER his written response to The Marriage Vow – A Declaration of Dependence Upon Marriage and Family.  To date, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Governor Rick Perry, and former Senator Rick Santorum have all signed the marriage pledge.  The 14-point pledge can be found here: http://www.thefamilyleader.com/the-marriage-vow.

Speaker Newt Gingrich’s response:

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To Bob Vander Plaats and the Executive Board of The FAMiLY LEADER:

I appreciate the opportunity to affirm my strong support of the mission of the FAMiLY LEADER by solemnly vowing to defend and strengthen the family through the following actions I would take as President of the United States.

Defending Marriage.  As President, I will vigorously enforce the Defense of Marriage Act, which was enacted under my leadership as Speaker of the House, and ensure compliance with its provisions, especially in the military.  I will also aggressively defend the constitutionality of DOMA in federal and state courts.  I will support sending a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman to the states for ratification.  I will also oppose any judicial, bureaucratic, or legislative effort to define marriage in any manner other than as between one man and one woman.  I will support all efforts to reform promptly any uneconomic or anti-marriage aspects of welfare and tax policy.  I also pledge to uphold the institution of marriage through personal fidelity to my spouse and respect for the marital bonds of others.

Defending the Unborn.  I believe that life begins at conception.  On day one of my administration, I will sign an executive order reinstating Ronald Reagan’s Mexico City policy that prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions overseas.  I will also work with Congress to repeal Obamacare, defund Planned Parenthood so that no taxpayer dollars are being used to fund abortions but rather transfer the money so it is used to promote adoption and other pro-family policies, and enact legislation that provides greater protections for the unborn.

Defending Religious Liberty.  As President, I will vigorously defend the First Amendment’s rights of religious liberty and freedom of speech against anyone who would try to stifle the free expression of believers.  I will also promote legislation that protects the right to conscience for healthcare workers so they are not compelled to perform abortions and other procedures that violate their religious teachings.

Defending Against Debt.  As President, I will undertake vigorous policies to maximize capital investment and job creation, along with common sense entitlement reforms, to dramatically turn around the nation’s fiscal situation.  Building upon the same principles I championed during my four years as Speaker, when we reduced the national debt by over $400 billion and dramatically reduced the national debt as a percentage of the GDP, we will reduce the enormous burden upon American families of the public debt and unfunded liabilities.

Defending the Right of the People to Rule Themselves.  Today, as federal courts have intervened in sectors of American life never before imaginable, including the intervention in the definition of marriage as well as when unborn life can be protected under the Constitution, the public has increasingly come to view them as an usurpative device for unelected rulers.  This abuse of power and loss of public confidence amounts to a constitutional crisis.  I believe the executive and legislative branches each have an independent responsibility to interpret the Constitution, and in those rare circumstances when they believe the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have engaged in a serious constitutional error, they can choose among an array of constitutional powers to check and balance the courts.  As President, I will nominate for federal judgeships, including justices of the Supreme Court, only those individuals who are committed to an originalist understanding of the Constitution.  Judges with an originalist understanding will subordinate themselves to the meaning of the Constitution as it was intended by the framers, and not substitute their own judgments about its meaning.  The inherent judicial self-restraint that comes from an originalist approach to the Constitution offers the best long-term assurance that federal judges will not exceed their powers and trample on individual liberties.  I will also work with Congress to use the Constitutional means available to reassert the right of the elected branches of government to defend their understanding of the meaning of the Constitution, including limiting the jurisdiction of the federal courts to decide on certain issues, when they believe the federal courts have engaged in a serious constitutional error.

Sincerely,

Newt Gingrich

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In regard to Speaker Gingrich’s response, Bob Vander Plaats, President & CEO of The FAMiLY LEADER said, “We are pleased that Speaker Gingrich has affirmed our pledge and are thankful we have on record his statements regarding DOMA, support of a federal marriage amendment, defending the unborn, pledging fidelity to his spouse, defending religious liberty and freedom, supporting sound pro-family economic issues, and defending the right of the people to rule themselves.”

Contact: Julie Summa

jsumma@thefamilyleader.org; 515-263-3495, ext.14 (office), 515-210-7475 (cell)

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About The FAMiLY LEADER
The FAMiLY LEADER champions the principle that God is the ultimate leader of the family. Our goal at The FAMiLY LEADER is to honor and glorify God – not a political party, not a candidate and not a program. The FAMiLY LEADER is a Christ centered organization that will lead with humility and service to strengthen and protect the family. Learn more about the organization: http://www.thefamilyleader.com/inside-tfl/missionbeliefs.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Oct. 31 Deadline to Request Press Credentials for the Thanksgiving Family Forum

Family Advocacy Organizations to Host Robust Republican Presidential Forum on Family Issues

WHAT:
Press credentials for The Thanksgiving Family Forum. The event, moderated by pollster Frank Luntz, will enable Iowans and the nation to ascertain where Republican candidates stand on some key family issues – and why they take that stand. Read the full news release here.

Requests should include name, phone number, organization, the type of media you represent (blogger, print, radio, TV, network) and any still or video cameras you plan to bring. Please also provide information for each additional staff member.

All credentialing decisions will be issued on Wednesday, Nov. 2. You must have credentials to enter the event.

WHEN:
Event: Nov. 19, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Press Credential Request Deadline: Oct. 31

WHERE:
Event: First Federated Church, 4801 Franklin Avenue., Des Moines, Iowa

To request Press Credentials: Julie Summa at jsumma@thefamilyleader.org.

WHY:
Seating is limited; however, The FAMiLY LEADER will do its best to accommodate as many members of the media as possible.

WHO:
Hosts: The FAMiLY LEADER, a pro-family Iowa organization, is hosting the event in conjunction with CitizenLink, the family advocacy arm of Focus on the Family and the National Organization for Marriage.

Moderator: Dr. Frank Luntz. Luntz is a top political pollster and one of the most respected communication professionals in America today.  He is also the author of The New York Times bestseller, Words that Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear.

Candidate confirmations: Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, and Rick Santorum. Invitations were sent to those candidates who finished in the top 5 of The Iowa Straw Poll or who polled 5 percent in the RealClearPolitics Poll as of Aug. 28.

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About The FAMiLY LEADER

The FAMiLY LEADER champions the principle that God is the ultimate leader of the family. Our goal at The FAMiLY LEADER is to honor and glorify God – not a political party, not a candidate and not a program. The FAMiLY LEADER is a Christ centered organization that will lead with humility and service to strengthen and protect the family. Learn more about the organization at www.thefaimilyleader.com/inside-tfl/missionbeliefs. TFL is loosely associated with Focus on the Family, an international family-strengthening ministry based in Colorado Springs, CO

About CitizenLink

CitizenLink is a family advocacy organization that inspires men and women to live out biblical citizenship that transforms culture. As an affiliate of Focus on the Family, CitizenLink provides resources that equip citizens to make their voices heard on critical social policy issues involving the sanctity of human life, the preservation of religious liberties and the well-being of the family as the building block of society. Visit us online at www.CitizenLink.com.

About the National Organization for Marriage

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to protect marriage and the faith communities that sustain it. Founded in 2007, NOM serves as a national resource for marriage-related initiatives at the state and local level.  NOM is online at www.nationformarriage.org.

Pollster Frank Luntz to Moderate The Thanksgiving Family Forum for Republican Presidential Candidates

Discussion to surround issues impacting American families

Pleasant Hill, IOWA. – The FAMiLY LEADER, in conjunction with CitizenLink (the family advocacy arm of Focus on the Family) and the National Organization for Marriage, is pleased to announce that political pollster, Dr. Frank Luntz, will moderate the “Thanksgiving Family Forum – A Family Discussion with the Republican Candidates” on Saturday, Nov. 19. The forum will take place in Des Moines, Iowa at First Federated Church from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

The FAMiLY LEADER has received event confirmations from Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, and Rick Santorum. Invitations were sent to those candidates who finished in the top 5 of The Iowa Straw Poll or who polled 5 percent or above in the RealClearPolitics Poll as of Aug. 28.

The forum’s goal is to allow Iowans an opportunity to further vet the candidates on matters related to the family. “This is not a debate,” said Bob Vander Plaats, President and CEO of The FAMiLY LEADER. “Our purpose is simply to learn about their worldviews and to listen to their hearts on key family issues. The discussion will allow us to see a more personal side of the candidates.”

“We are thrilled that Frank Luntz has agreed to team up with us for the forum,” said Vander Plaats. “We believe his unique style, audience participation, and expertise in communication will drive the discussion in a direction unlike any other forum or debate.”

Luntz, a top political pollster, is one of the most respected communication professionals in America today. He is also the author of The New York Times best seller, Words that Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear.”

Concerning the Nov. 19 Thanksgiving Family Forum, Luntz said, “My responsibility is to deliver a wholly different kind of discussion from the standard debate-by-podium forum. The American people want to know more than which candidate ‘debates best.’ They want to get past the pre-programmed sound bites and zingers to the real person. Voters want to know how the candidates feel. How they view the world. What is in their hearts.”

“I want to go deeper; to engender discussion on the great cultural issues of our time,” continued Luntz. “I promise this won’t be like anything you’ve ever seen. No gotcha questions by the panel. No spin by the politicians. Just an authentic discussion among the people who seek to lead this great nation. It has the potential to be the most important forum of the primary presidential campaign.”

The FAMiLY LEADER expects 2,500-plus attendees who represent a large influential segment of Iowa caucus-goers. They also anticipate all 99 counties in Iowa will be represented by key organizational and faith leaders. Statewide and national media coverage is expected.

For more information about The FAMiLY LEADER or the event, visit its web site at www.TheFamilyLeader.com.  For sponsorship details, please call 515-263-3495, ext. 13. To schedule a media interview, contact Julie Summa at 515-263-3495, ext. 14, 515-210-7475, or at jsumma@thefamilyleader.org.

Contact: Julie Summa

jsumma@thefamilyleader.org; 515-263-3495, ext.14 (office), 515-210-7475 (cell)

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About The FAMiLY LEADER

The FAMiLY LEADER champions the principle that God is the ultimate leader of the family. Our goal at The FAMiLY LEADER is to honor and glorify God – not a political party, not a candidate and not a program. The FAMiLY LEADER is a Christ centered organization that will lead with humility and service to strengthen and protect the family. Learn more about the organization at www.thefamilyleader.com/inside-tfl/missionbeliefs. TFL is loosely associated with Focus on the Family, an international family-strengthening ministry based in Colorado Springs, CO.

About CitizenLink

CitizenLink is a family advocacy organization that inspires men and women to live out biblical citizenship that transforms culture. As an affiliate of Focus on the Family, CitizenLink provides resources that equip citizens to make their voices heard on critical social policy issues involving the sanctity of human life, the preservation of religious liberties and the well-being of the family as the building block of society. Visit us online at www.CitizenLink.com.

About the National Organization for Marriage

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to protect marriage and the faith communities that sustain it. Founded in 2007, NOM serves as a national resource for marriage-related initiatives at the state and local level.  NOM is online at www.nationformarriage.org.

The FAMiLY LEADER TO PRESENT THANKSGIVING FAMILY FORUM ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

CitizenLink and National Organization for Marriage Co-Sponsors for Event

Pleasant Hill, IA – The FAMiLY LEADER, in conjunction with CitizenLink (A Focus on the Family Affiliate) and the National Organization for Marriage, will host the Thanksgiving Family Forum – A Family Discussion With the Republican Candidates on Saturday, November 19^th.  The forum will take place in Des Moines, Iowa at First Federated Church.

The timing of this forum, less than three months before the Iowa caucuses, is critical both to Iowans who are vetting the candidates and the candidates who are making their case for the Republican nomination.

Tom Minnery, Executive Director of CitizenLink, says, “We are privileged to partner with The FAMiLY LEADER to offer this important forum to advance the discussion in this extremely relevant election cycle.  It is more important today than it has ever been to elect a president who fairly represents the family values that Americans hold dear.”

The FAMiLY LEADER has invited Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum.  Bachmann, Cain, Paul, and Santorum are confirmed for the event.  Invitations were sent to those candidates who finished in the top five at The Iowa Straw Poll or who polled 5% or above in the  Real Clear Politics poll as of August 28^th.

The purpose of the Thanksgiving Family Forum is to allow Iowans an opportunity to further vet the candidates in a setting friendly to issues affecting the family.  The FAMiLY LEADER expects 2,500+ attendees who represent a large influential segment of Iowa caucus-goers.  The FAMiLY LEADER also anticipates all 99 counties in Iowa to be represented by key organizational and faith leaders.

“We were intentional about selecting the weekend before Thanksgiving in the hope of giving Iowans something to discuss at the Thanksgiving dinner table,” says Bob Vander Plaats, President & CEO of The FAMiLY LEADER.  “Iowans are politically savvy and they understand the importance of this selection process and the impact it will have on our nation.”

Brian Brown, President of National Organization for Marriage, says, “The Thanksgiving Family Forum will elevate issues like marriage to the forefront of Iowans’ minds and create the conversations necessary to help select the next president of the United States.”

The FAMiLY LEADER is a Christian conservative organization which provides a consistent, courageous voice in the churches, in the legislature, in the media, in the courtroom, in the public square…always standing for God’s truth in order to strengthen the family.

Contact:  Julie Summa

Phone:  515-263-3495, ext. 14

Cell Phone:  515-210-7475

Email: jsumma@thefamilyleader.org

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