Bob Vander Plaats, an influential social conservative who chaired Mike Huckabee’s campaign in Iowa last cycle, announced his endorsement of Rick Santorum today. Vander Plaats, who also is CEO of the Family Leader, stressed that the endorsement from him was personal, and that the organization was not endorsing.
Chuck Hurley, president of the Iowa Family Policy Center, also endorsed Santorum in a joint press conference with Vander Plaats. Hurley also hinted that Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry should consider dropping out of the race, although he did not mention them by name. “Why can’t the top three or so pro-family candidates come together and figure out who has the talents for president, who has the talents for other roles?” Hurley asked, according to the Des Moines Register.
“Their reach and influence covers all corners of Iowa, and I know they did not take this endorsement lightly,” Santorum said in a statement. “This means so much more to our campaign. If their work on behalf of Governor Huckabee four years ago is any indication, I have no doubt they will be a terrific catalyst for our campaign as we continue building momentum in Iowa.”