A Mormon as President?

Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006 By MIKE ALLEN
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Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid rarely gets questions about his Mormonism, and Romney has tried deflect them by focusing on the broad principles of his faith, as well as family values and traditional marriage. A writer for the Atlantic Monthly asked Romney last year if he wears Temple Garments--white underclothing, with the "Marks of the Holy Priesthood" sewn in, donned with reverence by the most faithful Mormons. "I'll just say those sorts of things I'll keep private," he sensibly replied. Will that dodge work for other theological questions? Calling himself "a religious person," Romney in June used the Charlie Rose Show on PBS to test-drive an answer that keeps him from getting into the nitty-gritty of his religious heritage. "I believe that Jesus Christ is my savior," he said. "But then as you get into the details of doctrines, I'd probably say, 'Look, time out. Let's focus on the values that we share.'" That kind of high-mindedness proved effective during Romney's unsuccessful challenge to Senator Edward Kennedy in 1994 after Kennedy tried to make an issue of the Mormon's attitude toward blacks and women. Romney said he was not running "to be a spokesman for my church," and Kennedy backed off.

Romney advisers are debating whether he will need to give a big speech in the tradition of John F. Kennedy, who told Protestant church leaders in Houston 46 years ago that he was "not the Catholic candidate for President" but instead was "the Democratic Party's candidate for President, who happens also to be Catholic." After the G.O.P.'s defeat in the midterms, that may be a speech Republicans are prepared to hear. A big tent, even one stretching all the way to Salt Lake City, could be what gets them back into power in Washington two years from now.