Republican Contenders Woo Social Conservatives In DC

Nearly the entire GOP presidential field will have a chance to court social conservatives at this weekend’s annual Values Voter Summit.

The three-day event, being held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in downtown Washington, will shine a spotlight on the candidates, who are all hoping to gain momentum with the first set of state primaries looming just three months away.

The list of candidates who will speak today and tomorrow include Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, businessman Herman Cain, Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.).

Political observers, like American Center for Law & Justice Executive Director Jordan Sekulow, say the candidates to watch this weekend are Perry, Cain, Romney and Bachmann.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) warmed up the audience of a few hundred this morning by tying the latest unemployment figures to President Obama’s economic policies.

“After three years of false hopes and broken promises, Americans continue to be left asking the question, ‘Where are the jobs?’” Boehner said.

Later today, voting will commence on a Straw Poll, the results of which are sure to provide a huge boost to whichever candidate finishes on top.