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Praying on the sideline
Social conservatives frustrated over their diminished role

NEW YORK -- A dozen Republicans gathered in a hotel meeting room a block from Madison Square Garden yesterday and prayed that God would intercede to give George W. Bush another term.


''We pray for George Bush, God," intoned the Rev. Wayne Perryman, sparking murmurs of assent from others. ''Give him the confidence that you're on his side."

Other speakers asked God to ensure that Republicans pick up a few more Senate seats to help stop Democratic filibusters against Bush's judicial nominees, singling out Alan Keyes's bid to defeat Barack Obama in Illinois. They asked God to ''touch America" this election to reinvigorate traditional values....

...''The very foundation of this great nation is Christianity and the firm belief in Jesus Christ," LaSueur said instead, provoking wild applause and cheers on Monday evening. ''And I believe that before we can begin to address the many problems our nation faces today, that we must restore and maintain morality and spirituality in government. And George W. Bush is fully committed to that end."...