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Ted Cruz picks up Bob Vander Plaats endorsement in Iowa

Betsy Klein
By Betsy Klein, CNN
Updated 2:10 PM EST, Thu December 10, 2015
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Story highlights

Bob Vander Plaats gave his long-anticipated endorsement Thursday to Sen. Ted Cruz

Vander Plaats endorsed Iowa winner Rick Santorum in the 2012 campaign

The Family Leader organization did not make an endorsement of its own

Des Moines, Iowa CNN —  

Evangelical leader and powerbroker Bob Vander Plaats gave Ted Cruz’s campaign a boost Thursday morning with an endorsement as the Texas Republican fights Donald Trump for the lead in Iowa.

“The extraordinary leader that we need for these extraordinary times is U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz,” Vander Plaats. the president and CEO of the conservative Family Leader organization, said at a press conference at the Iowa state Capitol.

Vander Plaats is seen as one of the most influential kingmakers in the first-in-the-nation caucus state. His close alignment with political networks and activist followings could help tip the scales in the Iowa caucuses. Vander Plaats endorsed Iowa caucus winner Rick Santorum in 2012.

The Family Leader did not have consensus to make an endorsement, but the board unanimously released Vander Plaats and his colleagues Robert Cramer, Bill Tvedt and Chuck Hurley, to endorse the senator independently.

John Boehner kisses House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi after <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/06/politics/house-speaker-boehner-vote/index.html" target="_blank">he was elected to a third term</a> as House Speaker on Tuesday, January 6. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/25/politics/john-boehner-resigning-as-speaker/" target="_blank">He retired</a> at the end of October.
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A crew member stands in the door of Air Force One as he waits for stairs to arrive Thursday, January 8, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. President Barack Obama was returning from a two-day trip to Michigan and Arizona.
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U.S. Sen. John McCain fools around with colleagues upon arriving at a news conference in Washington on Tuesday, January 13.
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A member of the Secret Service's Uniformed Division sits in his car outside the White House after a small drone crashed on the premises Monday, January 26. The drone posed no threat, said a spokesman for President Obama, and Obama was in India at the time. The drone's owner and operator worked for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, a government entity with mapping and national security duties. The agency confirmed that one of its employees was the operator of the drone, saying the employee was off-duty and the drone flight was not work-related.
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President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama shake hands with delegation members in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, January 27. Obama was in the country to meet Saudi King Salman, right, and offer condolences on the death of his predecessor, King Abdullah.
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Carl Mueller, second from left, sits next to his wife, Marsha, as they honor their daughter Kayla with a candlelight vigil in Prescott, Arizona, on Wednesday, February 18. Kayla, a 26-year-old American aid worker, was killed by the militant group ISIS. She had been captured in northern Syria in 2013.
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JOSHUA ROBERTS/Reuters/Landov
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin greets supporters Thursday, February 26, at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference.
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MIKE THEILER/Reuters/Landov
A drape gets momentarily stuck as U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and his wife, Sharon, help artist Simmie Knox unveil Holder's portrait at the Justice Department on Friday, February 27. Holder resigned in April and was replaced by Loretta Lynch.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry looks at his phone during a lunch break Tuesday, March 3, in Montreux, Switzerland. Kerry was meeting with Iran's foreign minister for a new round of nuclear talks.
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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry looks at his phone during a lunch break Tuesday, March 3, in Montreux, Switzerland. Kerry was meeting with Iran's foreign minister for a new round of nuclear talks.
Mark Lippert, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, leaves for a hospital after he was attacked Thursday, March 5, in Seoul, South Korea. According to Seoul police, Lippert <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/04/politics/ambassador-attacked-south-korea/index.html" target="_blank">was slashed on his right cheek and hand</a> with a knife measuring about 10 inches long. The attacker, Kim Ki-Jong, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/10/asia/south-korean-stabbing-sentence-u-s-ambassador/" target="_blank">was convicted of attempted murder in September</a> and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
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Mark Lippert, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, leaves for a hospital after he was attacked Thursday, March 5, in Seoul, South Korea. According to Seoul police, Lippert was slashed on his right cheek and hand with a knife measuring about 10 inches long. The attacker, Kim Ki-Jong, was convicted of attempted murder in September and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Reporters are hit by snow as President Obama leaves the White House on Marine One on Friday, March 6.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
JONATHAN ERNST/Reuters/Landov
Reporters are hit by snow as President Obama leaves the White House on Marine One on Friday, March 6.
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Photos: 2015: The year in politics
JONATHAN ERNST/Reuters/Landov
President Barack Obama, on the left in the white shirt, and former President George W. Bush, on the far right, march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on Saturday, March 7. Their wives also joined them for the event, which was held 50 years after marchers were brutally beaten as they demonstrated for voting rights.
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A copy of Irish America magazine shows Hillary Clinton before she was inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame on Monday, March 16. The magazine founded the Hall of Fame in 2010, recognizing exceptional figures in the Irish-American community.
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BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
President Obama tries a wheelchair designed by student Kaitlin Reed during the White House Science Fair on Monday, March 23. A rowing motion powers the wheelchair.
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Jessica Hill/AP
Hayden Lewis, cousin of Sandy Hook shooting victim Jesse Lewis, stands with his family during a news conference in Hartford, Connecticut, on Monday, April 13. Connecticut's congressional delegation backed federal legislation that would provide expanded support to train teachers in social and emotional learning. "If the shooter, in our case, had access to this type of learning before the tragedy at Sandy Hook, it might not have happened," said Jesse's mother, Scarlett. Twenty-six people -- 20 students and six adults -- were shot and killed by 20-year-old Adam Lanza in December 2012.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is reflected by glass before speaking at a leadership summit in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Saturday, April 18. Walker was seeking the Republican Party's nomination for President, but <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/21/politics/scott-walker-drops-out-2016-election/" target="_blank">he dropped out of the race</a> in September.
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Ron Haviv/VII
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is reflected by glass before speaking at a leadership summit in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Saturday, April 18. Walker was seeking the Republican Party's nomination for President, but he dropped out of the race in September.
President Obama speaks next to comedian Keegan-Michael Key -- playing Luther, "Obama's anger translator" -- at the annual White House Correspondents' dinner on Saturday, April 25.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
YURI GRIPAS/AFP/Getty Images
President Obama speaks next to comedian Keegan-Michael Key -- playing Luther, "Obama's anger translator" -- at the annual White House Correspondents' dinner on Saturday, April 25.
Singer Elton John, right, greets pastor Rick Warren on Wednesday, May 6, prior to testifying before a Senate subcommittee in Washington. The singer supports U.S. funding for the global treatment for HIV and AIDS.
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Brett Carlsen/AP
Singer Elton John, right, greets pastor Rick Warren on Wednesday, May 6, prior to testifying before a Senate subcommittee in Washington. The singer supports U.S. funding for the global treatment for HIV and AIDS.
A spectator waves to World War II-era aircraft as they fly over the National World War II Memorial in Washington on Friday, May 8. The flyover commemorated the 70th anniversary of V-E Day.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images
A spectator waves to World War II-era aircraft as they fly over the National World War II Memorial in Washington on Friday, May 8. The flyover commemorated the 70th anniversary of V-E Day.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch takes questions Friday, May 8, during a news conference where she announced a federal investigation of the Baltimore Police Department. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/27/us/baltimore-riots-timeline/" target="_blank">Riots broke out</a> throughout the city in April less than a week after 25-year-old Freddie Gray died in police custody. Gray, a black man, was arrested on April 12. According to his attorney, he died a week later from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. The case raised long-simmering tensions between police and residents, and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/02/us/baltimore-freddie-gray-death-case/" target="_blank">six police officers were eventually charged</a> in connection with Gray's death.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
JIM BOURG/Reuters/Landov
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch takes questions Friday, May 8, during a news conference where she announced a federal investigation of the Baltimore Police Department. Riots broke out throughout the city in April less than a week after 25-year-old Freddie Gray died in police custody. Gray, a black man, was arrested on April 12. According to his attorney, he died a week later from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. The case raised long-simmering tensions between police and residents, and six police officers were eventually charged in connection with Gray's death.
Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, left, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/16/politics/mitt-romney-boxing-evander-holyfield-rumble/" target="_blank">boxes former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield</a> during a charity event Friday, May 15, in Salt Lake City. The bout raised money for CharityVision, an organization that provides surgeries to heal blindness.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
George Frey/Getty Images
Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, left, boxes former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield during a charity event Friday, May 15, in Salt Lake City. The bout raised money for CharityVision, an organization that provides surgeries to heal blindness.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie bats during the "True Blue" celebrity softball game Wednesday, June 3, at New York's Yankee Stadium. The charity event raised money to support the families of fallen New York police officers.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Frank Franklin II/AP
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie bats during the "True Blue" celebrity softball game Wednesday, June 3, at New York's Yankee Stadium. The charity event raised money to support the families of fallen New York police officers.
Vice President Joe Biden places his hand over his heart as the casket of his late son, former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, is carried into a church in Wilmington, Delaware, for <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/04/politics/gallery/beau-biden-wake/index.html" target="_blank">a funeral</a> on Saturday, June 6. Beau Biden died of brain cancer at the age of 46.
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Vice President Joe Biden places his hand over his heart as the casket of his late son, former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, is carried into a church in Wilmington, Delaware, for a funeral on Saturday, June 6. Beau Biden died of brain cancer at the age of 46.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel talks with U.S. President Barack Obama <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/08/politics/barack-obama-angela-merkel-photo-germany-mountains/" target="_blank">near the Bavarian Alps</a> on Monday, June 8. Obama and other world leaders were in Germany for the annual G-7 Summit.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Michael Kappeler/Pool Photo/AP
German Chancellor Angela Merkel talks with U.S. President Barack Obama near the Bavarian Alps on Monday, June 8. Obama and other world leaders were in Germany for the annual G-7 Summit.
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JIM YOUNG/Reuters/Landov
Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert leaves federal court in Chicago after pleading not guilty to all charges against him on Tuesday, June 9. Federal prosecutors say Hastert lied to the FBI about $3.5 million he agreed to pay to an undisclosed person to "cover up past misconduct." In October, Hastert pleaded guilty to hiding money transactions.
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Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush knock on doors of a Miami auditorium to gain entrance to his formal campaign announcement on Monday, June 15. Bush is the son of former President George H.W. Bush and the brother of former President George W. Bush. He was Florida's governor from 1999-2007.
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President Obama delivers the eulogy for South Carolina state Sen. Clementa Pinckney on Friday, June 26. Pinckney was a pastor at the Charleston, South Carolina, church where he and eight other people were fatally shot on June 17. Pinckney was 41 years old. "We are here today to remember a man of God who lived by faith," Obama said. "A man who believed in things not seen. A man who believed there were better days ahead, off in the distance. A man of service who persevered knowing full well he would not receive all those things he was promised, because he believed his efforts would provide a better life for those who followed."
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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry plays with his crutches as he talks to reporters aboard a plane in Maryland on Friday, June 26. Kerry broke his leg riding a bike in May.
The White House is lit up in rainbow colors on Friday, June 26, to commemorate the Supreme Court's ruling <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/gallery/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-ruling-photos/index.html" target="_blank">to legalize same-sex marriage.</a>
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The White House is lit up in rainbow colors on Friday, June 26, to commemorate the Supreme Court's ruling to legalize same-sex marriage.
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Bree Newsome removes the Confederate battle flag from a monument in front of the South Carolina State House on Saturday, June 27. She was charged with defacing a monument, and a new flag went up within about an hour, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Not long after she was led away in handcuffs, Newsome became an online hero, a trending topic on social media and the subject of an online fundraiser. South Carolina took down the flag on its own in July, ending a 54-year run on the Capitol grounds.
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People take photos while touring the White House on Wednesday, July 1. It was the first day the White House began allowing photos to be taken during public tours.
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Susan Walsh/AP
People take photos while touring the White House on Wednesday, July 1. It was the first day the White House began allowing photos to be taken during public tours.
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President Obama attends a private dinner with family members after arriving in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, July 24. Obama was making his first visit to his father's homeland as commander in chief. He also visited Ethiopia during his trip.
Seconds after Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders took the stage for a rally in Seattle, a dozen protesters from the city's Black Lives Matter chapter <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/08/politics/bernie-sanders-black-lives-matter-protesters/index.html" target="_blank">jumped barricades and grabbed the microphone</a> from the U.S. senator. Holding a banner that said "Smash Racism," two of the protesters -- Marissa Johnson, left, and Mara Jacqueline Willaford -- addressed the crowd.
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Elaine Thompson/AP
Seconds after Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders took the stage for a rally in Seattle, a dozen protesters from the city's Black Lives Matter chapter jumped barricades and grabbed the microphone from the U.S. senator. Holding a banner that said "Smash Racism," two of the protesters -- Marissa Johnson, left, and Mara Jacqueline Willaford -- addressed the crowd.
U.S. Embassy employees in Havana, Cuba, hang the seal of the United States a few hours before its ceremonial flag-raising on Friday, August 14. Cuba and the United States re-established diplomatic relations in July.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
U.S. Embassy employees in Havana, Cuba, hang the seal of the United States a few hours before its ceremonial flag-raising on Friday, August 14. Cuba and the United States re-established diplomatic relations in July.
President Obama plays golf with former President Bill Clinton during <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/17/politics/gallery/obama-golf-marthas-vineyard/index.html" target="_blank">his vacation</a> to Martha's Vineyard, an island in Massachusetts, on Saturday, August 15.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Susan Walsh/AP
President Obama plays golf with former President Bill Clinton during his vacation to Martha's Vineyard, an island in Massachusetts, on Saturday, August 15.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump poses for a picture Saturday, August 15, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/15/politics/gallery/iowa-state-fair-postcards/" target="_blank">at the Iowa State Fair</a> in Des Moines.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Landon Nordeman FOR CNN
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump poses for a picture Saturday, August 15, at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets someone at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 15. Clinton has been the Democratic front-runner since announcing her candidacy.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
JIM YOUNG/Reuters/Landov
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets someone at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 15. Clinton has been the Democratic front-runner since announcing her candidacy.
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, the Republican presidential candidate from Kentucky who is also an ophthalmologist, gets suited up so he can perform cataract surgery in Haiti on Monday, August 17. While the humanitarian trip was not technically part of Paul's campaign, he invited a small number of political journalists and at least one prominent donor to join him.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Dieu Nalio Chery/AP
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, the Republican presidential candidate from Kentucky who is also an ophthalmologist, gets suited up so he can perform cataract surgery in Haiti on Monday, August 17. While the humanitarian trip was not technically part of Paul's campaign, he invited a small number of political journalists and at least one prominent donor to join him.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican presidential candidate from Florida, campaigns in Ankeny, Iowa, on Monday, August 17.
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Al Drago/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican presidential candidate from Florida, campaigns in Ankeny, Iowa, on Monday, August 17.
Jill Stuckey places signs in front of Jimmy Carter's former campaign headquarters in Plains, Georgia, on Thursday, August 20. During a news conference in Atlanta that day, the former U.S. President <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/20/politics/jimmy-carter-cancer-update/index.html" target="_blank">announced that he had cancer spots on his brain</a> and would immediately begin a regimen of treatment. Carter <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/08/health/jimmy-carter-cancer-legacy/index.html" target="_blank">announced in December</a> that he was cancer-free.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Ben Gray/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP
Jill Stuckey places signs in front of Jimmy Carter's former campaign headquarters in Plains, Georgia, on Thursday, August 20. During a news conference in Atlanta that day, the former U.S. President announced that he had cancer spots on his brain and would immediately begin a regimen of treatment. Carter announced in December that he was cancer-free.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican presidential candidate from Texas, prays in Des Moines, Iowa, during the "Rally for Religious Liberty" on Friday, August 21.
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Paul Sancya/AP
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican presidential candidate from Texas, prays in Des Moines, Iowa, during the "Rally for Religious Liberty" on Friday, August 21.
Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, left, asks Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump a question about his immigration plan during a news conference Tuesday, August 25, in Dubuque, Iowa. Ramos <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/25/politics/donald-trump-megyn-kelly-iowa-rally/index.html" target="_blank">squabbled with Trump twice</a> during the event, and at one point a security officer ejected Ramos before he was allowed back in.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Charlie Neibergall/AP
Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, left, asks Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump a question about his immigration plan during a news conference Tuesday, August 25, in Dubuque, Iowa. Ramos squabbled with Trump twice during the event, and at one point a security officer ejected Ramos before he was allowed back in.
Former President George W. Bush dances along with the Warren Easton High School marching band during a trip to New Orleans on Friday, August 28. Bush's visit came as the city prepared to mark the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
JONATHAN BACHMAN/Reuters/Landov
Former President George W. Bush dances along with the Warren Easton High School marching band during a trip to New Orleans on Friday, August 28. Bush's visit came as the city prepared to mark the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, right, talks with David Moore after she refused him a marriage license in Morehead, Kentucky, on Tuesday, September 1. Davis <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/14/politics/kim-davis-same-sex-marriage-kentucky/index.html" target="_blank">was eventually jailed</a> for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. She said same-sex marriages violated her Christian beliefs. After her release, she said she would not issue any marriage licenses that go against her religious beliefs. But she left the door open for her deputies to give out marriage licenses to same-sex couples as long as those documents do not have her name or title on them.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Timothy D. Easley/AP
Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, right, talks with David Moore after she refused him a marriage license in Morehead, Kentucky, on Tuesday, September 1. Davis was eventually jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. She said same-sex marriages violated her Christian beliefs. After her release, she said she would not issue any marriage licenses that go against her religious beliefs. But she left the door open for her deputies to give out marriage licenses to same-sex couples as long as those documents do not have her name or title on them.
President Obama dances with children after attending a cultural performance in Dillingham, Alaska, on Wednesday, September 2.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
President Obama dances with children after attending a cultural performance in Dillingham, Alaska, on Wednesday, September 2.
A supporter of Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz holds up a sneaker with the U.S. senator's likeness on it while Cruz campaigns in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, September 3.
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Andy Jacobsohn/Dallas Morning News/Corbis
A supporter of Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz holds up a sneaker with the U.S. senator's likeness on it while Cruz campaigns in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, September 3.
Keith Schiller, Donald Trump's director of security and longtime bodyguard, holds back demonstrator Efrain Galicia at Trump Tower in New York on Thursday, September 3. Galicia was among five protesters who later <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/09/politics/donald-trump-protesters-lawsuit/" target="_blank">filed a lawsuit</a> against Schiller, Trump, Trump's campaign and his company. The plaintiffs allege that Trump security officials, namely Schiller, assaulted them as they protested outside of a campaign event.
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Erik Pendzich/REX Shutterstock/AP
Keith Schiller, Donald Trump's director of security and longtime bodyguard, holds back demonstrator Efrain Galicia at Trump Tower in New York on Thursday, September 3. Galicia was among five protesters who later filed a lawsuit against Schiller, Trump, Trump's campaign and his company. The plaintiffs allege that Trump security officials, namely Schiller, assaulted them as they protested outside of a campaign event.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker rides a motorcycle as he arrives at an Elk's Lodge in Salem, New Hampshire, on Monday, September 7. He was a presidential candidate at the time.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
MARY SCHWALM/Reuters/Landov
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker rides a motorcycle as he arrives at an Elk's Lodge in Salem, New Hampshire, on Monday, September 7. He was a presidential candidate at the time.
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry embraces Madeline Martin, daughter of Eagle Forum President Ed Martin, before speaking at the Eagle Council XLIV in St. Louis on Friday, September 11. During his speech, Perry became the first major presidential candidate <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/11/politics/rick-perry-2016-campaign-suspended/index.html" target="_blank">to drop out of the 2016 race.</a>
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Sid Hastings/AP
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry embraces Madeline Martin, daughter of Eagle Forum President Ed Martin, before speaking at the Eagle Council XLIV in St. Louis on Friday, September 11. During his speech, Perry became the first major presidential candidate to drop out of the 2016 race.
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush shows off a Reagan-Bush '84 T-shirt as he speaks during a Miami field office opening on Saturday, September 12.
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Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush shows off a Reagan-Bush '84 T-shirt as he speaks during a Miami field office opening on Saturday, September 12.
A man helps himself to a fried-chicken buffet near an anti-abortion display Saturday, September 19, at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's <a href="http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2015/10/politics/fear-voting-christian-right/" target="_blank">Fall Family Dinner</a> in Des Moines.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Taylor Glascock for CNN
A man helps himself to a fried-chicken buffet near an anti-abortion display Saturday, September 19, at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's Fall Family Dinner in Des Moines.
President Obama stands with Pope Francis during a ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, September 23. The Pope was making <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/22/us/gallery/pope-francis-visits-united-states/index.html" target="_blank">his first visit to the United States,</a> spending time in Washington, New York and Philadelphia.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
JONATHAN ERNST/Reuters/Landov
President Obama stands with Pope Francis during a ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, September 23. The Pope was making his first visit to the United States, spending time in Washington, New York and Philadelphia.
U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, a Democrat from Philadelphia, sips water from the glass used by Pope Francis during the Pope's joint address to Congress on Thursday, September 24. Brady <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pope/20150924_Holy_water__U_S__Rep__Brady_helps_himself_to_popes_glass.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">told the Philadelphia Daily News</a> he poured the rest of the Pope's water into a bottle and would use it to bless his four grandchildren.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Courtesy Rep. Brady
U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, a Democrat from Philadelphia, sips water from the glass used by Pope Francis during the Pope's joint address to Congress on Thursday, September 24. Brady told the Philadelphia Daily News he poured the rest of the Pope's water into a bottle and would use it to bless his four grandchildren.
Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, second from right, visits a pregnancy center during a campaign stop in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Thursday, September 24.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
TRAVIS DOVE/The New York Times/Redux
Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, second from right, visits a pregnancy center during a campaign stop in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Thursday, September 24.
Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, left, talks with NASCAR legend Richard Petty, center, and Petty's grandson Austin while touring a camp for disabled children Monday, September 28, in Randleman, North Carolina. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/29/politics/ben-carson-confederate-flag/" target="_blank">Carson said NASCAR fans should be free to fly the Confederate flag</a> as long as it's on private property. Richard Petty, who partly funds the Victory Junction camp Carson was visiting, called preoccupation with the flag "a passing fancy."
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Chuck Burton/AP
Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, left, talks with NASCAR legend Richard Petty, center, and Petty's grandson Austin while touring a camp for disabled children Monday, September 28, in Randleman, North Carolina. Carson said NASCAR fans should be free to fly the Confederate flag as long as it's on private property. Richard Petty, who partly funds the Victory Junction camp Carson was visiting, called preoccupation with the flag "a passing fancy."
President Obama shares a toast with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a luncheon in New York hosted by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday, September 28. "Amid the inevitable trials and setbacks, may we never relax in our pursuit of progress and may we never abandon the pursuit of peace," Obama said before clinking glasses. "Cheers." The two, bitterly at odds over Ukraine and Syria, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/28/politics/obama-putin-meeting-syria-ukraine/" target="_blank">had a closed-door meeting</a> later in the day.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
President Obama shares a toast with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a luncheon in New York hosted by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday, September 28. "Amid the inevitable trials and setbacks, may we never relax in our pursuit of progress and may we never abandon the pursuit of peace," Obama said before clinking glasses. "Cheers." The two, bitterly at odds over Ukraine and Syria, had a closed-door meeting later in the day.
A man carries out a chair reserved for a head of state during the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 29.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
MIKE SEGAR/Reuters/Landov
A man carries out a chair reserved for a head of state during the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 29.
U.S. Sen. John McCain gets on the U.S. Capitol's subway system Wednesday, September 30, in Washington.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
U.S. Sen. John McCain gets on the U.S. Capitol's subway system Wednesday, September 30, in Washington.
Air Force One's shadow is seen on clouds as it carries President Obama to Oregon on Friday, October 9.
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
Air Force One's shadow is seen on clouds as it carries President Obama to Oregon on Friday, October 9.
One of the most memorable moments from this year's Democratic debates came on Tuesday, October 13, when Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/13/politics/gallery/democratic-debate-las-vegas/index.html" target="_blank">shook hands</a> following Sanders' take on <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/03/politics/hillary-clinton-email-controversy-explained-2016/" target="_blank">the Clinton email scandal.</a> "Let me say something that may not be great politics, but the secretary is right -- and that is that the American people are sick and tired of hearing about the damn emails," Sanders said. "Enough of the emails, let's talk about the real issues facing the United States of America."
Photos: 2015: The year in politics
LUCY NICHOLSON/Reuters/Landov
One of the most memorable moments from this year's Democratic debates came on Tuesday, October 13, when Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders shook hands following Sanders' take on the Clinton email scandal. "Let me say something that may not be great politics, but the secretary is right -- and that is that the American people ar