Known as his Godfather, Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) has been a guiding hand in the life of presumed Presidential candidate Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS).
Aside from the Catholicism, opposition to abortion, stem-cell research, cloning and gay marriage that define their politics and have made them both appealing to conservative activists, how is it that the two have not hooked up for a romance?
Unknowing and unsuspecting grannies I have met are prone to saying "But he's so handsome" when describing both Brownback and Santorum. To such an extent that I would assume if given the choice these folks would vote against strongly held beliefs simply because they note the appearances of these two men.
Looks can certainly be deceiving with two Senators who don't just live their faith but legislate it as well.
Santorum is the one credited with drawing Brownback - a Kansas Methodist, into his brand of Catholicism 4 years ago. Santorum has continued to apply his faith across the board opposing abortion but very publicly re-thinking his stance on the death penalty last year. And Brownback has used his firm faith stance to attack things like Human Trafficking and the Genocide in Sudan.
However, both are pro-war Sen's standing behind the president in his war against Iraq and both approved meanie Bolton's appointment to the UN - even after Brownback stated
"The temptation is to treat public-policy issues with a transcended importance (where) the ends justify any means and (where) we can run roughshod over people. (But) more important is the way I deal with a soul."
And Santorum works to keep his acts of charity apart from his political life.
Isn't this just another example of Washington double speak? Or are they using their faith both as a crutch and as a political tool? Sure seems hard to argue with "My faith won't allow me to vote that way."
According to a Washington Post article on Brownback
"Because of his emphasis on compassion, Brownback does not fit the stereotype of the angry Christian conservative. This persona was embodied sensationally by "Pitchfork Pat" Buchanan and his talk of America's "religious war," by Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, who once imagined "rampant" lesbianism in his state's schools, by the Rev. Jerry Falwell, who said abortionists, feminists, gays and pagans helped cause the 9/11 terror attacks." Washington Post
And it is scary stances like these that too often confuse more moderate voters into thinking that such representatives are still upholding their core values.
The truth is that while Brownback fights for Women's Rights in Afghanistan - it is only through faith based groups like Vital Voices - an excellent organization that promotes women in political processes - but does so mostly to women who have a strong Christian faith behind them:
"She became a member of the Executive Council of the Inter-American Dialogue, the Christian Democrat Organization of America, and the International Christian Democrat Organization. She currently leads the Popular Christian Party, for whom she is also the presidential candidate."Vital Voices Bio
"Activities to address the issue of Thai women trafficked to Japan include:
* Linking with Japan-based NGOs, mostly Christian or Buddhist organizations, and the Japanese
Red Cross" Human Trafficking in Japan
And his work with the Sudan Advocacy Network an outstanding self funded non-profit that unites various church leaders:
"The Sudan Advocacy Action Forum was organized as a Christian grassroots effort to advocate for a just and lasting peace in Sudan." Sudan Advocacy
And as Josh puts it
"Brownback has a bully pulpit, and taking a strong stand on Darfur could even be good politics. It's an issue that transcends party lines and could actually make him seem more electable, and also a bit less like the stereotypical evil religious authoritarian.
But he has choices to make, and when there's a chance to fight about incinerating frozen lumps of cells or using them for medical research, those 2 million refugees just have to wait." Thoughts from Kansas
To me it is sad - for a representative who seems to be passionate about solving human rights violations - if his pesky politics didn't get in the way we might actually stand a chance at achieving some peace and progress abroad... at least for Christians.
Either way, the two of them together are united in a conservative fight to beat back all progress in medical research and equality and freedom in the United States, all the while blow drying for press conferences and photo-ops to retain the Most Wholesome rating among Senators in Washington. And clearly fool them all.