NEWS FLASH

GOP Lawmaker Slams Perry’s Religious Rally: ‘I don’t use my religion as a side show’ | Leading Iowa Republican state Rep. Josh Byrnes slammed fellow Republican Gov. Rick Perry’s (TX) upcoming religious rally “The Response” as “a little strange and dramatic.” “I am a strong Catholic,” he told Politico. “However, I don’t use my religion as a side show with my legislative duties. I have had some Republicans tell me they were excited about Perry running for president until this Aug. 6 event.” Surveying the GOP field for 2012, Byrnes said that he just wants “a candidate who is a strong leader, understands sound policy, and can bring a renewed level of statesmanship to the Oval office — that seems to be a tall order these days.” Burn.