Poll of the Week: Faith of the GOP Presidential Candidates
Public Religion Research Institute released new findings this week detailing an increase in the correct identification of Mitt Romney as Mormon among white evangelical Protestants. According to Daniel Cox, PRRI Research Director:
“The increase in knowledge of Romney’s Mormon faith among evangelicals is potentially problematic for Romney,since we know from our research that 6-in-10 evangelicals do not see the Mormon faith to be a Christian religion.”
This data also provides a window into understanding Herman Cain’s meteoric rise in the polls and Romney’s stagnation among white evangelicals. While 21% of evangelical voters say Romney’s political views are closest to their own, he continues to struggle with a demographic that distrusts his religion.
While understanding what drives a candidate’s particular stance on issues is useful when voting, religious affinity should in no way be the only measure of a candidate’s worthiness for elected office.