Amid reports that major evangelical groups might sit out the Iowa caucuses, Pema Levy wonders whether the demographic could ever give Gingrich the momentum he needs to beat Romney:
In past years, Iowa Republicans — known as fierce social conservatives — have voted
based on their beliefs; they picked Mike Huckabee in 2008, even though he was unlikely to win the nomination. But this time may be different.
Social issues seem to be taking a back seat to the overarching issue of the economy. Iowa voters seem to be putting their thumbs in the wind to get a sense of where the nation is going, rather than the other way around. And what they are sensing now is an unmistakable Gingrich surge as he climbs nationally, holding a lead in South Carolina, and being second only to Romney in New Hampshire.
(Photo of Gingrich with his daughters and first wife, Jackie Battley.)
The Dish 