Romney’s speech on his faith draws praise in Nevada

Conservative political commentator Chuck Muth believes religion and politics shouldn't mix.

But he supported Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's speech Thursday to quell lingering questions and skepticism about his Mormon faith.

"He needed to give it, unfortunately," to counter attacks against his beliefs, Muth said.

Romney and his religion have come under scrutiny by some evangelical Christians who claim the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a true Christian religion. And for many Americans, not just conservative Christians, Romney's religion would be an issue, recent national polls have shown.

Even in Nevada, where Mormons have been elected to many key political positions through the years, some still hold Romney's faith against him, Muth said.

He recalled a conversation with a former state Republican Party official a couple of months ago. The official said he wouldn't vote for Romney because he is Mormon, Muth said.

"I was shocked that somebody like that would have that kind of religious prejudice," he said.

In his speech at College Station, Texas, Romney said his church would have no influence in his decisions if he were president.

"I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause and no one interest," he said. "A president must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States."

Romney also focused on the shared values and beliefs of Mormonism and other Christian religions.

Muth said the speech addressed the critics, but his religion still will be an issue.

But the attacks could help Romney at Nevada's Jan. 19 Republican caucuses because Mormons upset over the negativity might galvanize to support one of their own, he said.

Ace Robison, a spokesman for the Mormon Church in Las Vegas, said the church doesn't get involved in politics.

But speaking for himself, Robison said he was glad Romney tried to clarify questions some have about the faith.

He also said Romney's campaign gives the country a chance to see the best of what his religion represents.

"Everything I saw about Mr. Romney is he's a wholesome individual, a good family man and a good example of what I hope members of the church will be," Robison said.

Stan Parry, a Las Vegas lawyer and member of Romney's fundraising committee, said the candidate's speech successfully addressed questions about his faith and its role in political decisions.

"He was able to demonstrate he is his own man," said Parry, who is Mormon.

Romney is an ideal presidential candidate because of his political views and values, which reflect those of middle America, he said, adding he would vote for Romney even if he weren't Mormon.

So would a lot of other people, he said.

"In my mind he's like the perfect candidate," Parry said. "I think if he wasn't Mormon, everyone would be backing him at this point."

Contact reporter Brian Haynes at bhaynes@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0281.