As I noted yesterday, the Republican Party’s posture toward Islam will ultimately be shaped by its presidential candidates and its nominee.
The first test issue, though perhaps an impefect test, is the planned mosque two blocks from Ground Zero, an issue on which Sarah Palin -- as usual -- was out first, and one which Newt Gingrich has made a particular cause.
Here’s a quick survey of the field:
Palin (7/18): “Ground Zero mosque is UNNECESSARY provocation; it stabs hearts. .”
Gingrich (7/21): “There should be no mosque near Ground Zero in New York so long as there are no churches or synagogues in Saudi Arabia.”
Pawlenty (8/6): “I think it’s inappropriate... From a patriotic standpoint, it’s hallowed ground, it’s sacred ground, and we should respect that. We shouldn’t have images or activities that degrade or disrespect that in any way.”
Huckabee (8/4): Even if the Muslims have the right to build it, don’t they do more to serve the public interest by exercising the responsible judgement to not build it, given that it’s really offensive to most New Yorkers and Americans? Or is it just that we can offend Americans and Christians, but not foreigners and Muslims?”
Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom (today): “Governor Romney opposes the construction of the mosque at Ground Zero. The wishes of the families of the deceased and the potential for extremists to use the mosque for global recruiting and propaganda compel rejection of this site.”
Daniels, and Barbour appear not to have spoken on the subject; I’ve emailed aides to each asking if they have a position.
And of course the likely Democratic nominee, Obama, hasn’t weighed in.