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How two Catholic candidates differ

Campaign News[(AP) Dodd, Brownback clash politically despite shared Catholic faith:][1] Presidential contenders Chris Dodd and Sam Brownback, stepping beyond the traditional bounds of their respective parties, outlined a series of political differences Monday rooted in their varying interpretations of their shared Catholic faith. The two, appearing jointly at a Boston College forum on faith and politics, differed on abortion rights, civil unions for gay couples and embryonic stem cell research. Nonetheless, they used modest tones to suggest both Democrats and Republicans could bridge such gaps with more tolerance for their respective positions. In a moment of agreement, both Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat, and Brownback, a Kansas Republican, urged President Bush to work with Congress to devise a solution that will meet his demand for continued funding of U.S. troops in Iraq while promoting a diplomatic solution to quell insurgent violence and reduce the military death toll.[(The Hill, video) Brownback markets himself as a steady conservative:][2] In his latest presidential campaign video, Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) cites leadership experience dating back to high school as to why he says he's "America's Most Consistent Conservative."[(AP) Immigration issues divide GOP candidates:][3] Sam Brownback, a longshot candidate who supported McCain's bill, frames the problem of illegal immigration in religious terms, saying he views every person as beautiful, sacred and deserving of compassion, whether citizen or not. Yet, the Kansas senator said he understands why people in Iowa and elsewhere are upset about illegal immigration. "A lot of people feel like there's a lack of assimilation happening," Brownback said. "We've been a big melting pot, and now the melting pot's not working - it's not melting, it's not mixing." But he thinks he can change people's minds._The Brownback Report will appear Monday through Friday. If you've seen a news story or other blog entry about the GOP presidential hopeful that we've missed, do [let us know.][4]_ [1]: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/04/23/dodd_brownback_clash_politically_despite_shared_catholic_faith/ [2]: http://blog.thehill.com/2007/04/24/brownback-markets-himself-as-a-constant-conservative/ [3]: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-04-24-immigration-republicans_N.htm?csp=34 [4]: http://www2.ljworld.com/submit/blog_link_submission/

By George Diepenbrock

April 25, 2007

The Brownback Report