The New York Times Political Blog
December 29, 2007, 8:55 pm
Leader of Christian Iowa Group Gives Romney His Vote
By Michael Luo

BURLINGTON, Iowa—Wait, was he supposed to do that?

Mitt Romney got a surprise endorsement on Saturday from the Rev. Morris Hurd, chairman of the Iowa Christian Alliance, a prominent conservative Christian group in the state, as he introduced the former Massachusetts governor at a rally tonight.

Officials with the group typically avoid making public endorsements because of their tax-exempt status, but Mr. Hurd blurted out his decision tonight in what felt like a bit of an accident.

“I’ll tell you a little secret,â€