Calif. pro-family group 'grades' GOP presidential candidates

Randy Thomasson, who heads up the California-based pro-family group Campaign for Children and Families (CCF), says his organization did extensive research on the candidates records on eight topics -- among them protecting traditional marriage; opposing homosexual adoption; opposing the establishment or expansion of homosexual hate crimes laws; and protecting school children and the Boy Scouts from the homosexual agenda. (See Sunday video of GOP candidates discussing negative campaign ads)

In reporting its results, CCF awarded a point for each of the eight topics. Thomasson says Mike Huckabee and Congressman Ron Paul did well, while Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney did not.

"Just like in school, grades have to be earned -- and in this case, Giuliani and Romney have gotten just about the lowest grade possible on protecting the natural family," says Thomasson. CCF describes the natural family as "a father, a mother, and their children."

Thomasson continues, saying Huckabee and Paul "have almost gotten the top [possible grade] to protect the family as it's naturally designed."

On the CCF's report card of GOP presidential candidates, both Huckabee and Paul scored seven, Senator John McCain four, former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson three, Giuliani one, and Romney zero. (See details of the report card)

"It's sad that several candidates are either willing to give away the family or are silent on several key pro-family matters," laments Thomasson. "I was surprised with some of the results myself -- but facts are facts."