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White House hopefuls test '08 waters in Iowa

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published June 18, 2006

DES MOINES, Iowa - Four Republicans considering running for president in 2008 courted activists Saturday and predicted GOP success in the November elections, despite polls that have experts questioning the GOP's appeal to voters.

"The theme is we are right on the issues, not just for Iowa but for the country," said New York Gov. George Pataki. "I understand what the experts are saying, but if we stick to Republican principles we will succeed."

Also at the Iowa convention, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback said, "The Democrats want this election to be a referendum election. But the best thing we can do for the Iowa Republican Party is show that this is not a referendum. It's a choice."

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Virginia Sen. George Allen joined them at the convention, the traditional kickoff of the fall campaign.

"It's never been this early," said Iowa's Republican chairman, Ray Hoffman. "I think it's a positive for our state." He said that the attention from presidential candidates will bring money and organizational expertise to local candidates.

"The message is that we need to stand strong for certain principles, ideas and actions," Allen said.

Allen, who faces a Senate challenge from Democrat Jim Webb, said he probably would not return to Iowa before the November election.

Pataki and Romney both have said they are not seeking another term as governor, and both are frequent visitors to Iowa. Generally cast as a moderate, Romney sounded a theme of social conservatism Saturday.

"The family is the absolute foundation of our culture," Romney said.

Brownback touched on issues from abortion to taking a tough stand on the war in Iraq.

"I think we should talk about the war," said Brownback. "I think it's time to have another debate, another national debate about the war."

Virtually all the Republicans say they are spending their time helping candidates for the fall.

"An awful lot of the leaders here want me to come back to speak to fundraisers, to help mobilize the troops at their barbecues and picnics," Pataki said. "It's gratifying to hear they want me to come."

[Last modified June 18, 2006, 05:47:40]