The Family Leader has decided not to endorse a Republican presidential candidate this election, although the group's president and CEO did lend his support to Rick Santorum.

The influential, social conservative group is based out of Iowa -- the lead-off state that will hold its caucus Jan. 3.

Members of the Family Leader executive board have gone back and forth on who to endorse for about four weeks. Tuesday, the announcement came that the group would remain neutral.

The Family Leader is made up of a broad mix of leaders, and an endorsement could have meant big gains for a candidate among Iowa's social conservatives.

Yet, Bob Vander Plaats -- who formed the Family Leader -- did announce his personal endorsement of Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, Tuesday.

Chuck Hurley, president of the Iowa Family Policy Center, also endorsed Mr. Santorum.