Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., began a long-shot bid for president on Saturday, hoping his reputation as a favorite son of the religious right can help him outdistance better known rivals.
"My family and I are taking the first steps on the yellow brick road to the White House,'' Brownback said, returning to his home state to declare his intention to seek his party's nomination in 2008.
The two-term senator said he will fight to renew the nation's cultural values and pledged to focus on rebuilding families.
"Search the record of history. To walk away from the Almighty is to embrace decline for a nation,'' Brownback said. ``To embrace Him leads to renewal, for individuals and for nations.''
Brownback laced his speech with the themes that have made him the leader of the GOP's conservative wing and a strong spokesman in Congress for socially conservative Christians.
PFAW:
When right-wing organizations and candidates want to reach out to the most die-hard right-wing activists, their best bet is to approach them via an email sent out by GOPUSA.
And that is just what Sen. Sam Brownback has done, nearly falling over himself to remind GOPUSA's right-wing activists that he is the real deal and plead for their support in the Republican primary:
I've sent YOU this urgent email message because I was told that just like me you are a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, God-fearing American.
[..]I am the most consistent social conservative running for the Republican nomination. I represent your values more effectively than anyone else. I need your help today!