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:

________________________________________________________

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)

________________________________________________________

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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BUSINESSMAN HERMAN CAIN SCHEDULED FOR PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES ON JUNE 6^TH

Schedule of Three-City Tour Released

Pleasant Hill, IA – Businessman Herman Cain will be the featured speaker at The FAMiLY LEADER’s Presidential Lecture Series at Dordt College, Pella Christian High School, and the University of Iowa on Monday, June 6^th.  The full schedule is listed below.

Dordt College, Campus Center, 498 4th Ave. NE, Sioux Center, IA  51250
9:00-9:45 AM – Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)
9:45-10:00 AM – Press Avail
10:00-11:00 AM – Lecture

Pella Christian High School, Vermeer Auditorium, 300 Eagle Lane, Pella, IA  50219
12:45-1:30 PM – Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)

1:30-2:30 PM – Lecture

2:30-2:45 PM – Press Avail

University of Iowa, Iowa Memorial Union, The Ballroom, 125 N. Madison St., Iowa City, IA  52242
4:00-4:45 PM – Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)
4:45-5:00 PM – Press Avail
5:00-6:00 PM – Lecture

The primary purpose of the Presidential Lecture Series is to provide national figures with a pre-planned, full day in Iowa to introduce them to Iowans and to give citizens an educational opportunity to become better informed about the pro-family vision of each speaker.  The lectures will be videotaped, emailed to our comprehensive database, and posted on our website to allow all interested citizens the opportunity to hear and watch the lectures.  The lectures of Governor Pawlenty, Congressman Paul, Congresswoman Bachmann, and Senator Rick Santorum are posted on our website at www.TheFamilyLeader.com .

The FAMiLY LEADER will host the Presidential Lecture Series each month through August 1^st.  Former Governor Tim Pawlenty was the featured speaker on February 7^th and Congressman Ron Paul provided the lecture in Pella and Iowa City on March 7^th.  Congressman Ron Paul also gave his lecture at Dordt College on April 11^th along with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann at Pella and Iowa City.  Senator Rick Santorum joined the series on May 2^nd.  Former Speaker Newt Gingrich is scheduled for July 11^th.  Other invited speakers include former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Donald Trump, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

FORMER SENTATOR RICK SANTORUM SCHEDULED FOR PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES ON MAY 2^ND

Schedule of Three-City Tour Released

Pleasant Hill, IA – Former Senator Rick Santorum will be the featured speaker at The FAMiLY LEADER’s Presidential Lecture Series at Dordt College, Pella Christian High School, and the University of Iowa on Monday, May 2^nd.  The full schedule is listed below.

University of Iowa, Iowa Memorial Union, The Ballroom, 125 N. Madison St., Iowa City, IA  52242
8:15-9:00 AM – Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)
9:00-10:00 AM – Lecture
10:00-10:15 AM – Press Avail

Pella Christian High School, Vermeer Auditorium, 300 Eagle Lane, Pella, IA  50219
11:30-11:45 – Press Avail

11:45 AM-12:30 PM – Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)

12:30-1:30 PM – Lecture

Dordt College, Campus Center, 498 4th Ave. NE, Sioux Center, IA  51250
3:15-3:30 PM – Press Avail

3:30-4:15 PM – Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)
4:30-5:30 PM – Lecture

The primary purpose of the Presidential Lecture Series is to provide national figures with a pre-planned, full day in Iowa to introduce them to Iowans and to give citizens an educational opportunity to become better informed on the pro-family vision of each speaker.  The lectures will be videotaped, emailed to our comprehensive database, and posted on our website to allow all interested citizens the opportunity to hear and watch the lectures.  The lectures of Governor Pawlenty, Congressman Paul, and Congresswoman Bachmann are posted on our website at www.TheFamilyLeader.com .

The FAMiLY LEADER will host the Presidential Lecture Series each month through August 1^st.  Former Governor Tim Pawlenty was the featured speaker on February 7^th and Congressman Ron Paul provided the lecture in Pella and Iowa City on March 7^th.  Congressman Ron Paul also gave his lecture at Dordt College on April 11^th along with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann at Pella and Iowa City.  Herman Cain is scheduled for June 6^th and former Speaker Newt Gingrich on July 11^th.  Other invited speakers include former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, South Dakota Senator John Thune, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Indiana Representative Mike Pence, Donald Trump, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

CONGRESSWOMAN MICHELE BACHMANN AND CONGRESSMAN RON PAUL BOTH SCHEDULED FOR PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES ON APRIL 11^th

Final Schedule of Three-City Tour Released

Pleasant Hill, IA – Congresswoman Michele Bachmann will be the featured speaker at The FAMiLY LEADER’s Presidential Lecture Series at Pella Christian High School and the University of Iowa on Monday, April 11^th.  Congressman Ron Paul already visited Pella and Iowa City on March 7^th, but due to inclement weather, was unable to deliver his pro-family lecture at Dordt College that same day.  Therefore, he has agreed to return to Iowa to address Dordt College on April 11^th.  The full schedule is listed below.

Congressman Ron Paul

Dordt College, Campus Center, 498 4th Avenue NE, Sioux Center, IA  51250
9:20-10:00 AM – Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)
10:00-10:45 AM – Lecture
10:45-11:00 AM – Press Avail

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

Pella Christian High School, Vermeer Auditorium, 300 Eagle Lane, Pella, IA  50219
12:30-1:30 PM – Lecture

1:30-1:45 PM – Press Avail

1:45-2:30 PM – Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

University of Iowa, Iowa Memorial Union, Main Lounge, 125 North Madison Street, Iowa City, IA  52242
4:30-4:45 PM – Press Avail
4:45-5:30 PM – Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)
5:30-6:30 PM – Lecture

The primary purpose of the Presidential Lecture Series is to provide national figures with a pre-planned, full day in Iowa to introduce them to Iowans and to give citizens an educational opportunity to become better informed on the pro-family vision of each speaker.  The lectures will be videotaped, emailed to our comprehensive database, and posted on our website to allow all interested citizens the opportunity to hear and watch the lectures.   Governor Pawlenty’s and Congressman Paul’s previous lectures are both posted on our website at www.TheFamilyLeader.com .

The FAMiLY LEADER will host the Presidential Lecture Series each month through August 1^st.  Former Governor Tim Pawlenty was the featured speaker on February 7^th and Congressman Ron Paul provided the lecture in Pella and Iowa City on March 7^th.  Former Senator Rick Santorum is scheduled for May 2^nd, Herman Cain for June 6^th, and former Speaker Newt Gingrich on July 11^th.  Other invited speakers include former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, South Dakota Senator John Thune, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Indiana Representative Mike Pence, Donald Trump, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.