Evangelical Iowa homeschoolers could be important to Bachmann campaign

A prominent Iowa homeschooler says Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann probably has more support from homeschoolers in the state than any of the other GOP presidential candidates. Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators President Justin LaVan told MPR News that Bachmann appears to be the favorite among Iowa homeschoolers, followed by Ron Paul and Rick Santorum.

"I think she's probably pretty well positioned and if they're like most of the homeschool families I know they're pretty well set on their decision," said LaVan.

LaVan said most homeschool families have likely already analyzed their priorities as Christian, or evangelical Christian, families and they're unlikely to withdraw that support.

The Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators does not endorse candidates, but the group provides its thousands of members with political information.

Iowa homeschoolers are widely credited with helping Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee win his surprise 2008 GOP caucus victory.

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