GOP Candidates Showcase Faith at Rally

Approximately 1,000 voters gathered in a heated tent across the street from the South Carolina Convention Center to hear GOP Candidates address faith and politics before the start of Monday night’s debate.

One by one, candidates and their supporters took to the stage during a Faith and Freedom Coalition rally to address voters on issues of faith. Faith is an issue that will play an important role with many conservative voters, especially Mitt Romney who could face some difficulty capturing the evangelical Christian vote.

The candidates took the opportunity to make their stance on issues like abortion and gay marriage known.

Elaine Wakefield of Maine said she enjoyed hearing the candidates take some time to focus on issues of faith, something important to her as a voter. A supporter of Romney, Wakefield said she enjoyed hearing him speak about his stance on issues of faith.

“Personally I am very pleased to hear them speak about their faith,” Wakefield said. “I think it’s important for people to have that faith.”

“I was really pleased to hear Mr. Romney speak about abortion and marriage between a man and a woman, that’s all very important to me, too.”

Tom Audette of Fort Mill said adherence to Christian values was among the most-important things he looked for in a candidate.  Although his loyalty lies with former Sen. Rick Santorum, Audette said all of the candidates represented the values he looked for in a candidate.

 “Our faith in this nation is our rock,” Audette said. “From that point the candidates can move forward and we can build a foundation for America.”

“If any of these candidates win we will, as a family, be behind each and every one of them,” Audette said.

Frank Landrey of Forest, Va., said faith and religion certainly play a role in his decision but the candidate that stands out  for him is Rep. Ron Paul because of his stance on the economy.

“The man is a dedicated Christian, he just doesn’t’ push it and put it out front like I think that he should,” Landrey said.

“I’m for Ron Paul because I know he’s the only one who will truly go after the budget,” Landrey said.

Chuck Dieterly of Pittsburgh, Pa., feels that faith is important but his preference was a candidate that had experience and could offer a strong competition to President Obama during a debate.

“He probably not the evangelical that some of the other candidates are like Rick Santorum,” Dieterly said.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has met criticism for his own extramarital affairs after leading the attack on former President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Dieterly thinks Gingrich has made the necessary changes in his personal life and his strengths in other areas more than make up for his transgressions.

“He’s a good man, I think he’s made some changes in his life and he would be a fine president.”

The candidates will face off again Monday night during the SCGOP Debate at 9 p.m. Follow our live blog during the debate.