(Washington, DC) - Log Cabin Republicans are disappointed that the last message voters heard from the field of Republican presidential candidates in the final debate before the Iowa caucuses was not about job creation, budget cuts or national security, but controversial and divisive social issues.

"Pandering to social conservative voters before the Iowa caucuses has become an unfortunate and empty ritual in the presidential primary process. With the real challenges facing our nation today, Republican candidates should change topics before American voters change the channel," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "The debate moderators tried to use a letter Governor Romney sent to Log Cabin Republicans in 1994 seeking our endorsement as a 'gotcha' moment. We were pleased to see Mitt Romney stand by his position opposing discrimination and highlighting his record of including openly gay people in his administration and judicial appointments. Log Cabin Republicans agree with the governor that Republicans who stand for equality often have the ability to be more effective advocates than Democrats, and that is why we look forward to working with the Governor again if he becomes the nominee. Despite our clear disagreement on marriage, Governor Romney deserves some credit for speaking up for nondiscrimination in front of a socially conservative crowd."