Deal Hudson: "Is the Catholic Vote Giving John McCain the GOP Lead?"

Deal Hudson writes at InsideCatholic:

When Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed "maverick" Senator John McCain (R-AZ), many scratched their heads. But his endorsement, which bucked the conservative establishment trend toward Mitt Romney, has provided the winning edge for McCain.

Brownback surprised people with his support of McCain after pulling out of the race, support he explained in his interview with me last week. Brownback's view is that McCain is the most electable pro-life Republican in a national race. His decision is being corroborated by the primary results, especially McCain's ability to attract Catholic voters.

All three of McCain's primary wins -- New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida -- have been fueled by a high turnout of Catholic voters who have given most of their votes to the Arizona senator. Brownback, as chair of Catholics for McCain, announced on December 27 that he is creating a coalition that is pro-life, fiscally conservative, tough on national security, and compassionate on immigration.

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Senator Brownback's decision to endorse McCain may well have turned out to be the pivotal event in the revival of the McCain candidacy and his eventual nomination. Brownback's role in the McCain campaign may also help create a distinctive Catholic arm of the Religious Right.

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My Comments:
At this point, I think it's safe to say that Hudson appears to be backing McCain.


Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Deal Hudson: "Don't Bet on a McCain-Huckabee Ticket"

National Catholic Register on Candidate Endorsements by Pro-Life Catholics

Two Catholic Pro-Life Advocates Endorse John McCain's GOP Presidential Bid

McCain Courts Catholic Vote in Florida

Catholics for McCain?

McCain Gets Help from Brownback to Lure Catholics