Rick Santorum is lashing out against GOP presidential frontrunner Herman Cain for leaving the question of same-sex marriage to the states, rather than supporting a federal ban against the “immoral” activity. Cain told Meet the Press’ David Gregory on Sunday that “I wouldn’t seek a constitutional ban for same-sex marriage, but I am pro traditional marriage” and suggested that states “would make up their own minds.” That answer didn’t sit well with the former Pennsylvania senator, who issued a statement characterizing marriage equality as a moral wrong akin to slavery:
“I have been a long-time advocate for states’ rights. However, I believe as Abraham Lincoln did — that states don’t have the rights to legalize moral wrongs.
“Mr. Cain, Congresswoman (Michele) Bachmann and Governor (Rick) Perry all believe 50 different definitions of marriage is fine, I strongly disagree and will continue fighting for traditional marriage between one man and woman.”
Santorum also touted his anti-gay credentials during an interview with Radio Iowa on Sunday night:
“Leaders should be out there advocating for what is in the best interest of our society and what’s in the best interest of mothers and fathers and children and I’m going to do that,” Santorum said. “I have done it and I have done it here in Iowa and I don’t know of anybody else in this campaign, including Herman Cain, who has made that kind of blanket commitment to the institution of marriage and the stability of the family.”
Santorum is expected to go after Cain on the marriage question during Tuesday’s GOP presidential debate in Las Vagas, but previewed his new push at the Values Voter conference in Washington, DC last week, where he pledged to “fight in every state to make sure that marriage remains between one man and one woman” if elected president.