WINDSOR HEIGHTS, Iowa — Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum told influential Iowa evangelicals Tuesday he has made the journey from being a "pro-life fraud" to becoming a national anti-abortion leader, and he urged them to pour their energies into this year's election to reshape the nation's direction.

Santorum spoke to the Iowa Christian Alliance, which plays a key role in the Iowa Republican precinct caucuses that traditionally launch the presidential nominating season. The speech to about 500 people marked his second swing through Iowa in recent months.

In a speech heavy on religious themes, Santorum said the GOP can offer itself as a conservative alternative to President Barack Obama.

"If you are faithful, you will make a difference," said Santorum, a Roman Catholic. "We are at a critical time in our country's history. We need to be faithful to our God."

Santorum, 51, has been long known as an outspoken abortion-rights opponent. But on Tuesday night he said he started out as a young congressman who was leery about expressing his views on abortion, fearing political fallout.