Orlando, Fla. ? Longshot Republican presidential candidates Sam Brownback and Mike Huckabee were well received by a socially conservative group who applauded their anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage and pro-faith messages Saturday night.

Neither candidate mentioned topics like the Iraq war, taxes and health care during speeches in front of a Florida Family Policy Council dinner, instead sticking with a strong message on values. They received rave reviews from attendees, including Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida, who also serves as the Republican National Committee general chairman.

“I am completely blown away by the two men we heard tonight,” Martinez told the crowd of about 650 at the event.

The crowd, some of whom are looking for an alternative to major candidates like former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, also seemed impressed.

“The top tier, in my estimation, does not fit the definition of what a true conservative has historically been in this country,” said Roy Tanner, 50, of Orlando. “If it is meant to be, these guys will break out of the pack. I’d be happy if either got elected.”

Both candidates urged the group to keep working on their efforts to put a gay marriage ban in the state’s constitution. The Florida Family Policy Council is leading a petition drive to place a proposed amendment on the 2008 ballot.

“You need to redefine the definition of marriage as a union of a man and a woman. It’s critical,” U.S. Sen. Brownback, R-Kan., said to loud applause. “We’ve got to be the rebuild the family. I’m going to be the president that’s the family president that helps rebuild this fundamental institution.”

After the event, both candidates said the group represents the core of the Republican base and predicted that their campaigns would begin to gain momentum once their message reaches that constituency.

“They’re looking for somebody that matches up on their principles. I think that’s why I have an excellent chance of pulling this off even though I’m not mentioned in the front three,” Brownback said. “At the end of the day the person who is nominated will be with the base of the party on the base’s principles.”

Huckabee said voters are frustrated that the national media has “anointed” three people to be the front runners.