The Brody File
Only On The Brody File: Rand Paul, Ted Cruz To Headline Iowa Evangelical Pastors Event
The Brody File has learned that Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz will both headline a private evangelical pastors conference to be held in Des Moines Iowa next month. Due to Iowa’s prominence and placement in the GOP presidential race, the appearance by Senator Paul will provide more evidence that he’s getting set to run for President of the United States. Cruz’s appearance will increase speculation about his aspirations in 2016 as well. Governor Rick Perry, Governor Bobby Jindal, Governor Scott Walker and Senator Marco Rubio, all considered potential presidential contenders were unable to make the event.
The event is sponsored by The Iowa Renewal Project and is being spearheaded by influential evangelical organizer David Lane, who earlier this year arranged a trip to Israel for Senator Paul and his family so they could meet with top evangelical leaders in Iowa and elsewhere. The Pastors’ Policy Briefing will be held over two days (July 18-19) at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel and is titled, “Rediscovering God in America.” It will give both Paul and Cruz an opportunity to build relationships within the broader evangelical community. In addition to both United States Senators, Historian David Barton will also speak as well as former Congressman Bob McEwen. Other attendees include Mat Staver, Founder & Chairman of Liberty Counsel and Dr. Don Wildmon with the American Family Association. This event will feature hundreds of pastors from Iowa along with their spouses. It’s an opportunity for pastors to get up to date on the pressing cultural issues of the day and mobilize their congregations by handing out voter guides and making sure evangelicals get to the polls and vote.
It should be noted that The American Renewal Project is housed within the American Family Association and this group has a very successful past history. They played a crucial role in getting Christians to support California’s Proposition 8, which affirmed traditional marriage. They also led the way in removing Iowa’s three Supreme Court judges who ruled to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act. They have also been active in presidential politics. Top Republican candidates have spoken at their pastor policy briefings in key swing states like Iowa and South Carolina in years past.
The event is sponsored by The Iowa Renewal Project and is being spearheaded by influential evangelical organizer David Lane, who earlier this year arranged a trip to Israel for Senator Paul and his family so they could meet with top evangelical leaders in Iowa and elsewhere. The Pastors’ Policy Briefing will be held over two days (July 18-19) at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel and is titled, “Rediscovering God in America.” It will give both Paul and Cruz an opportunity to build relationships within the broader evangelical community. In addition to both United States Senators, Historian David Barton will also speak as well as former Congressman Bob McEwen. Other attendees include Mat Staver, Founder & Chairman of Liberty Counsel and Dr. Don Wildmon with the American Family Association. This event will feature hundreds of pastors from Iowa along with their spouses. It’s an opportunity for pastors to get up to date on the pressing cultural issues of the day and mobilize their congregations by handing out voter guides and making sure evangelicals get to the polls and vote.
It should be noted that The American Renewal Project is housed within the American Family Association and this group has a very successful past history. They played a crucial role in getting Christians to support California’s Proposition 8, which affirmed traditional marriage. They also led the way in removing Iowa’s three Supreme Court judges who ruled to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act. They have also been active in presidential politics. Top Republican candidates have spoken at their pastor policy briefings in key swing states like Iowa and South Carolina in years past.