I was just chatting to a top Republican who reminded me of the important role Sen. Sam Brownback (R.-Kan.) could play in the 2008 Republican presidential sweepstakes.

As the lone candidate so far who is sincere on social issues, Brownback has a distinct advantage over contenders such as Gov. Mitt Romney, who flip-flopped on abortion after winning election in Massachusetts, and Sen. John McCain, who sold out conservatives by forming the "Gang of 14" in the Senate.

Conservatives are clamoring for a candidate who shares their point of view. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his liberal social views won't fly in the heartland, and McCain and Romney have a ways to go before having conservatives on board. Brownback, meanwhile, can shift the debate to issues that social conservatives care about: judicial nominees, abortion, same-sex marriage, etc.

So despite my doubts about Brownback's electablility, I do think he forces Republicans to be honest about many important issues.