In this Feb. 7, 2012, photo, Karen Handel speaks during an interview in Atlanta. All of a sudden, abortion, contraception and gay marriage are at the center of American political discourse, with the struggling _ though improving _ economy pushed to the background. Social issues dont usually dominate the discussion in shaky economies. But they do raise emotions important to factors like voter turnout. Then, as the GOP nomination fight churned with no resolution in sight, the economy began to grow. Unemployment rates dipped. And a cascade of cultural political developments inspired a new set of talking points for the years crop of political hopefuls such as supporters of Planned Parenthood, which provides abortion services, helped force the resignation of Susan G. Komen For the Cure executive Handel after the breast cancer research group cut grants to the organization, then reversed course. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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