Romney Has Mormons Wary of Scrutiny

James Joyner | Monday, June 11, 2007

Laurie Goodstein has an interesting piece in today’s NYT noting that Mitt Romney’s bid for the presidency has Mormons both proud of one of their own and wary of the renewed attention of a religion viewed by many as a cult. Romney’s hamhanded handling of questions about some of Mormonisms more controversial practices hasn’t helped.

My suspicion is that, despite large cash reserves and leading in the polls in New Hampshire, Romney’s campaign will be short-lived. I don’t see him emerging as the chief alternative to Rudy Giuliani, especially with Fred Thompson and possibly Newt Gingrich waiting in the wings.

If I’m wrong, though, Romney’s religion will be front-and-center of the media’s scrutiny of his candidacy.

About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.

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Tags | Campaign 2008, James Joyner, Religion Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney, New York Times, Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, The Presidency

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