Ralph Reed Appreciates Candidates’ Open Faith

Some of the Republican presidential candidates have spoken openly of their religious faith, and Ralph Reed, chairman of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, thinks that’s a good thing. “It is [reassuring] – not because we think people should vote for someone just because they share their faith,” he told Newsmax.TV. “We believe that in addition to having the right moral foundation, a candidate has to be uniquely qualified to lead and must share our stance on issues – limited government, lower taxes, pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage laws and a strong national defense. Nonetheless, people want to know that their leaders are “seeking solace and guidance” from God, Reed said. “At this time, when we have the worst economy arguably since the depression, you have a global war on terror with American troops on the front line in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere, I want a president who has real strong faith foundation.” It’s unclear which Republican presidential candidate will win the Christian vote, Reid said. Polls prior to Thursday’s debate showed Rick Perry with a plurality of social conservative and tea party voters, he said. Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich also showed strength. “This thing isn’t anywhere near over,” Reed said. “It’s highly fluid. I think a lot of people haven’t reached a final decision yet.” His Faith & Freedom Coalition is placing great emphasis on next year’s election, Reed said. It’s building a national database of 12-18 million Evangelicals and pro-family Catholic households. “We will contact every household six to 12 times,” Reed said. “We’re going to make sure they’re all registered to vote, that they’re all educated, and that they all go to the polls. And when we do, we think we’re going to change the direction of America.”