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COLUMBUS, Ga. -- For Republicans and social issues such as same-sex marriage, this is the silent spring.

While most party loyalists remain supporters of traditional marriage and gun rights and oppose most abortions, they also are engaged in campaigns in crucial states where polls are clear: The economy is by far the issue thats most on voters minds.

Its nothing more than the fact that the economy has people more concerned, Carter Wrenn, a veteran North Carolina political strategist, said of the emphasis on money and job issues.

But stressing often-polarizing social issues also carries substantial risk. In 2010 and 2012, Republicans who were popular with the conservative base but too extreme for the general electorate lost at least five Senate races they arguably could have won.

This time, the party is being more pragmatic. Republican leaders are urging candidates to adopt a gentler tone. And in the case of same-sex marriage, public attitudes are changing rapidly, particularly among younger voters.

This years turn away from social issues is apparent in states with closely watched Senate races. These are key battlegrounds, since Republicans need a net gain of six seats to seize control of the Senate.

In Arkansas, for example, Republicans have a great shot at winning the seat of Sen. Mark Pryor, one of the nations most vulnerable Democrats. And the economy and health care are the keys. Social issues didnt crack the top five priorities in an Arkansas Poll late last year.

In Louisiana, where Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu faces a difficult re-election, few social issues are being debated. Republicans right now believe the health care issue is big enough and strong enough to carry the election, said Kirby Goidel, a professor of political science at Louisiana State University.

Even in Republican primaries, social issues are less important.

In Mississippi, Republican Sen. Thad Cochran faces a tough renomination challenge from state Sen. Chris McDaniel, a tea party favorite. But the emphasis is largely on economic and health care issues. An early sign of the trend there: Voters in 2011 soundly defeated a ballot initiative that said life begins at conception.

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Eyes on the prize? Social issues fade in GOP campaigns