Mitt Romney Expected To Announce He Will Not Seek Reelection

I usually will not post purely political posts here; however, this particular topic, while political, also has significant LDS implications. The Boston Globe is reporting that Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is set to announce he will not seek reelection. This opens up the way for a possible presidential bid in 2008. CNN already has reported, as does the Globe article mention that Evangelical Christians may oppose Mr. Romney because of his Mormon religious views:

There has also been an undercurrent of concern among Christian conservatives, particularly in the vital South, rooted in his Mormon faith. One political operative in South Carolina branded the religion a "cult."

Such opposition, if it were to develop would be very short sighted, and may likely backfire. It is still early, since Romney has not announced any presidential bid; however, much has been written and discussed about the "Mormon" factor. It will be an interesting story to follow.

Update: 1:54 p.m. This from the Bennington Banner on Mitt's religion:

"His religion is a significant problem because many evangelical Christians do not believe that Mormons are Christians," Rothenberg said. "To the extent that we have controversial religions in this country, LDS (Latter Day Saints) is one of them."

One would think in this day and age, a person's personal, private religious beliefs would be left well enough alone. Can you imagine if Mitt were the "gay" candidate, rather than the "Mormon" candidate? There would be a hue and cry from the gay community that being gay has nothing to do with one's desire for political office. Or, can you imagine if Mitt were African American, or Mexican American, or Asian? Would that be appropriate fodder for presidential discussion? Why is anyone's religious beliefs appropriate discussion in a possible presidential bid? Watch for this to be a hot button issue.