Sen. Larry Grooms is reinforcing his support of traditional marriage -- a union between one man and one woman -- and a willingness to fight for it if elected to Congress.

Several other Republican candidates expressed different opinions at a College of Charleston forum Monday night.

According to media reports, candidates including Rep. Peter McCoy, R-Charleston, Elizabeth Moffly, a Charleston County school board member, and Teddy Turner, a Charleston teacher, said Congress should have little to no say in the issue.

Former Gov. Mark Sanford was not clear on the issue.

"We need to offer grace to people who come from all different perspectives from our own, this being one of them," Sanford said, according to the Charleston Post and Courier.

Grooms, who opposes gay marriage, released a statement Tuesday: "I firmly believe marriage is between one man and one woman - and I will fight to defend traditional marriage against very attack," he said. "Quite frankly, I'm appalled that the other candidates refused to stand up for traditional marriage. But I'm not surprised. My opponents have sure talked a good conservative game, but now everyone can see, the others just won't be as conservative as they say they will. And last night's forum proves my point."