Romney's biggest problem in SC?

Posted: Friday, October 19, 2007 10:35 AM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
In a new Insider Advantage/Majority Opinion poll of South Carolina Republicans, 45% say they are less likely to vote for Romney because he is Mormon. Also, 27% say they are more likely to vote for him because Bob Jones III's endorsed him. Conversely, 32% say Jones' endorsement actually makes them less likely to back Romney.

Southern Political Report's Tom Baxter says South Carolina may be to Romney what West Virginia was to John F. Kennedy in 1960. "In the 1960 race, West Virginia was viewed as a crucial test of how seriously his Roman Catholic faith affected Kennedy’s election chances," Baxter writes. "Kennedy won the West Virginia primary and went on to the presidency."

Romney has been polling third and even fourth in South Carolina. The campaign has said that a Kennedy-esque speech by Romney has been in the works, but no word on when that might happen.

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Comments

I've stayed away from the subject until now, but others have been saying for a long time that Romney's Mormonism would be a problem with a significant portion of the Republican base. Those people look pretty smart about now.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 10:42 AM)

I'm sure John Kerry wishes the polling was correct in November 2004.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 10:47 AM)

Romney's biggest problem? Himself. He's just too much. Plastic hair, spray on tan, ever-evolving stance on everything.

PJ (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 10:51 AM)

Lets be honest...jerrys party won't vote for a mormon anymore than they would a black man or a woman...no one other than white, uptight and stoned on religion need apply in the new republican party...

Rick, WS, NC (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 11:11 AM)

With five sons all too patriotic to fight in Iraq, I don't see how he can lose. How can any American look at that and not say: "My unpatriotic little twerp joined th e army, like some America-hating Taliban member, bit MITT'S kids - they know what patriotism is - moving from mansion to mansion and helping elect another draft-dodging chicken hawk coward to expand the war" (they won't be in).

Lee in CA (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 11:11 AM)

I don't vote for the religion.....
I vote for the best candidate.......
I don't care if it is a man or a woman......

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 11:19 AM)

It's not the Mormonism. It's the fact that nothing worth while has come from Massachusetts since John F. Kennedy.

Hunter or Huckabee the rest need to go away.

Rick I'd vote for a black or a woman who wasn't a democrat socialist. Don't blame us if you've been duped into only looking left for answers, and been running around in circles for years.

Holding out hope that Obama doesn't just turn out to be another Uncle Tom for the democrat party.

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 11:20 AM)

Mitt channeling JFK on overcoming Religious Bias? This might conflict with his Values-thing. JFK was fond of channeling Marilyn Monroe and Judith Exner. Will Mitt have Madonna sing at his Inauguration Party?

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 11:20 AM)

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa - if by Madonna you mean the Virgin Mother, then yes.

JHC, Bethleham, IS (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 11:48 AM)

Being from Salt Lake City, the home of the mormons, I would not vote for Mitt, because every mormon politician has to check with church headqurters before a decision can be made.

Mike SLC (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:12 PM)

Jerry, the polling was correct in 2004. Something else was going on called corruption of our voting system. It's for real and it could occur again in 2008. That's why there has to be overwhelming support for the candidate so that the fix can't occur in a pivitol state. When races are close it's much easier to fix an election.

Laurie, Manasquan, NJ (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:16 PM)

I met Mitt Romney in person at one of his "Ask Mitt Anything" meetings yesterday in Tega Cay, SC. I was extremely impressed with him. He is by far the most qualified of any candidate- Republican or Democrat. He was introduced by Ralph Norman who said, "Mitt Romney is the only candidate in the field who has signed both the front and back of a pay check." We need a candidate like Romney who has proven himself politically and in the private Sector.

Ashley, Charlotte, NC (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:17 PM)

Mike SLC- Since many of the politicians in SLC are Democrat and not members of the Mormon faith, your stance that politicians need to check with Church Headquarters before making decisions is ill-informed. I lived in SLC for two years. I found no evidence whatsoever about your claim. Check the facts.

Ashley, Charlotte, NC (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:21 PM)

Hey Dave, TN - What do you consider a socialist? I'm curious. Would you have considered FDR a socialist? If so, try telling that to the millions of seniors and disabled that rely on Social Security. Also try not having Social Security in this country and see how fast we have serious social unrest. There aren't enough of the very wealthy or the very well off to sustain our country. You have to have policies that sustain the middle class or you don't hhave a country like ours anymore. If FDR hadn't instituted the programs he did, our country was headed for a dictatorship. Just do some reading and you'll find that to be true.

Laurie, Manasquan, NJ (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:22 PM)

Anyone thinking that voting for Mitt they are not voting for any Mormon ideals needs to read "Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer. Not hat Mitt is a fundamentalist but the Mormon ideals go deep and the Mormon religion you cannot separate the man from his religion! Seriously, this (electing Mitt) would be a step down from Bush and we are already so low--how low can we go?

kate (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:23 PM)

The problem with Romney is that he's a right wing fundamentalist hate monger like them all. He's Bush in Mormon clothing. The best thing for Hillary would be for this guy to win the rethug. nom....that will ensure another Clinton Administration for sure!

pat huntington ny (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:23 PM)

Jones' endorsement is clearly an act of hypocrisy. Clearly, he does not believe that God has the power to choose our leaders. He has denounced Falwell's "Moral Majority" which consists of Catholics, Mormons, etc. Now he is endorsing a Mormon. Christians should put the fate of the nation in God's hands, and should not be endorsing a Mormon candidate such as Romney.

Pam, Greenville, SC (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:25 PM)

If anyone buys the idea of Mitt as a potential POTUS, then I have some golden tablets inscribed with the Book of Moroni to sell you.

Alan T, Landing, NJ (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:26 PM)

If the so called "christian conservatives" get behind the snake oil salesman "aka- Mitt".. they will forever seal their position as totally "phony". Hello guys- the cat will say anything you want to hear to get elected. He's a business man, who made millions cutting jobs and tearing corporations apart. Is that who we want running things? Good lord, people, use your heads!

Amazed, Atlanta (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:29 PM)

Hey Mike--clearly you are not a mormon (or you WERE) And that's okay. Christian, Baptist, Catholic, Muslim, whatever. One: as long as it is not Devil worshipping, why is religion even in this debate? And Two: you are absolutely wrong about "every mormon politician has to check with headquarters before a decision is made". Have you been a politician in Utah?
Make sure you get your facts straight before you embarrass yourself. BTW--I am not LDS(mormon). But I am not looking to religion to run our country--just a good person.

Lesli, Dallas, TX (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:29 PM)

Dave LMAO...running around in circles? Thats funny coming from someone who is a bushie and not a real republican..a real republican believes in fiscal responsibility and staying the hell out of other peoples business, you believe the christian crackheads and neonitwits

Rick, WS, NC (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:29 PM)

Mike from SLC, don't say things you know nothing about. You're totally misinformed--and WRONG,by the way. Because of that, you give many people very inacurate information that could affect their opinions greatly!

Dorothy, Layton, UT (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:30 PM)

Mike in SLC, the degree of your ignorance is embarrassing. Having been born and raised in Salt Lake City, I have to question why delusional people like you live in the state of Utah. How can you suggest that Mormon politicians have to ‘check with church headquarters’ before casting any vote? I guess Mormon Senators Harry Reid (Democrat Majority Leader in the Senate) and Orrin Hatch (High Ranking Republican) must be talking to separate church Hierarchy. They disagree on 80% of the issues and Harry Reid has turned into Gov. Romney’s favorite target. You make absurd claims with ZERO evidence to back any of it up.

Chad, SLC (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:31 PM)

Mike from SLC, I lived in Utah for many years, and you are an idiot. I never saw or heard that from anyone but your type.

Chuck Irwin (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:31 PM)

Rick from NC is right. A lot of good ol' boys won't vote for a man just because he is black or a woman just because she is a woman. Too many Christians are fundamentalist agents of hate and intolerance (to borrow from Mr. McCain). I will admit that I do have reservations about anyone who belongs to any religion that must get approval from church headquarters before a decision can be made. Very dangerous.

EW, Fountain Hills, AZ (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:34 PM)

You cannot compare being a Catholic to being a Morman. The Mormon religion is basically a cult and it is hard to support someone to run this country that believes in the Mormon religion. On top of that is the very plastic patina that Mitt has, evertying about him seems to be putting on a show.

Kathy, San Diego, CA (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:35 PM)

Mike from SLC
You obviously aren't paying attention. Harry Reid, the liberal, Democrat senate majority leader, is a Mormon. If he had to check with the church before making every decision, he would never show up at work.

John, San Diego CA (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:36 PM)

Hey Mike SLC, before you start making things up, you might want to get your facts straight but since you don't even live in Salt Lake nor do you even know what a Mormon is, I suppose that means you have a lot of work to do.

There have been many Mormons in public government, including current Senate Maj. Leader Harry Reed and don't forget Romney as governor . How many stories came out of Massachusetts during his time in office that provide proof or even hinted at him having to consult LDS Leadership before a decision? Before you try slandering someone for their religious beliefs just because you choose not to believe the same way, get the facts right please.

Ryan, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:39 PM)

It is NOT true that every Mormon politician has to check out their views with church headquarters. There are politicians on both sides of the aisle represented by members of that faith. Harry Reid would be a good example of this. Where are the questions about how his faith influences his politics?

Evan, Florence, AL (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:40 PM)

Dave in TN, the epitome of Uncle Tom is sitting on the Supreme Court.

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:40 PM)

Mike from Salt Lake City is correct. I lived in Utah for 13 years and have seen how the Mormon church works up close. Romney will be a figure-head for the grand prophet back in Utah to run the country. He won't make a decision without the church's okay. That's why Romney keeps changing his stance on every issue. It's about getting into office where his REAL agenda will start. For Mormons, the church comes before EVERYTHING else in their lives.

Joan, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:41 PM)

The LDS Church is always neutral on elections. They won't let candiates use church buildings for speeches or meetings, and don't endorse parties or candidates. Kind of ironic, isn't it that the mayor of Salt Lake City is a liberal ex-ACLU lawyer and the Senate Majority leader is a liberal mormon. Don't think pro-abortion Harry Reid is calling LDS CHurch headquarters for political input, Mikey.

Stan, Alpine, Utah (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:47 PM)

What a terrible world we live in that we wont vote for a person based on his/her religion. All of the United States must come to terms and realize we are to elect a President based on his/her background and what they bring to the table.

Mitt is qualified. America is upside down from a business perspective and he appears to have the greatest business values, judgements and answers versus other candidates.

We have black people marrying white people in our socitey, whats the big deal if he is Mormon? Viewing him as a Mormon only candidate is a HATE CRIME. The next time you walk by a person and say hello, would you first ask "What religion are you before I greet you with a hello?" What a sad world...

John Jacksonville, FL (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:49 PM)

It's UNBELIEVABLE to me that one's religious preference is a key consideration in voting for him. Is he honest? Is he street smart? Is he accomplished? Is he involved in scandal and impropriety? Is he a war-hawk?

There are so many good questions to ask of a candidate. Their brand of religion, their gender, their ethnicity...these are all considerations left for the ignorant and uninformed.

Branden, Arizona (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:51 PM)

Regarding the comment that Mormon politicians need to "check in with church headquarters before making a decision": Harry Reed and Mitt Romeny must be have their headquarters mixed up.

David - Raleigh, NC (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:53 PM)

Mitt Romenys religion should not be considered as a crucial factor. Just look at his family and you will see a good man who loves his family and his country. He is very intelligent. Responding to the comment above that says he would have to check with church hq about decisions, that is totally bogus. He's great for the job

Christopher, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 12:58 PM)

Apparently, there are those who are confused about the Mormons, I cant believe that a man is condemed because of his belife in Jesus Christ, The Mormon church is based on that beliefe. Now answer me, Whats that got to do with how he will goveren, Also one of the princples of the mormron church is to be honest with others. Looks like a good man to me.

Dennis Nelson (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:00 PM)

The poll numbers are all over the place, a sure sign that the republican party is having a hard time with more than two candidates, too many choices hurt my head, tell me what to do! I have been watching elections since my mom sat me down in front of the black and white tv to watch IKE. I have been hooked on watching democracy in action ever since. The republicans are in disarray and frothing at the mouth because they don't have a VP to take over the mantle (how come DICK ain't running?), some of their candidates have voting records that are not consistant with the mold they made for their FATHER HERO, evangelists are breaking apart into different political sects(Third Party, go ahead), the candidates know the overly emotive president is a HUGE albatross around their neck, IRAQ, HOUSING MARKET, Deficits are all coming home to perch on Bushies shoulder and he will trasfer all these pigeons to the next person. The political landscape for republicans are full of landmines that they planted themselves. We watched as you destroyed a sitting president over a personal peccadillo, now we can watch your guy self distruct. Are we enjoying it? As they say revenge is a dish best eaten cold. DAMN right we are enjoying!!!!! Gotta go Henry the gremlin KISSINGER is on Charlie Rose.

John S. Alexander, Edinboro, PA (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:02 PM)

I grew up in mormonism and every devote mormon like romney will do whatever the moron leaders tell him to do, he believes his eternal salvation is at stake if he does not. I don't believe in the apocolypse, but if it is true him being elected would be the beginning.

Darren Spokane,Wa (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:04 PM)

I am from Utah, and I am LDS. I wouldn't vote for Mitt Romney. I would have if he didn't change his stances on issues just to get elected. I am a Democrat, I thought Romney had the posibility of being bi-partisan but he isn't. Mike, the LDS leaders do not tell us how Utah is run. There are Mormon Democrats, like Harry Reid who probably upsets most the LDS members, but the LDS leadership stays out of it.

Daniel Drew, Lehi Utah (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:15 PM)

Mike from SLC i live in Provo and must tell you that you do not know Mormons that well.No one checks with church headquarters.What has temporal affairs got to do with spiritual affairs.I do not care what you think about mormon,one thing i know is that there are true members of Jesus Christ church on earth.We have good marriages, mine is intact with 3 kids just as Romney's. My home is a heaven on earth i'm pride to have joy in such a joyless economy.Become one and your life will change.

Monic, provo, Ut (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:15 PM)

Mike SLC, are you saying that the Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reed checks in along with Sen Orin Hatch? Please don't mis-lead those who are not familiar with deceptive comments.

Jake, SLC also (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:15 PM)

Mike from SLC,
im Mormon, and i know a couple of Mormon politicians, but no, they do not check in with the church on issues. In fact the church is pretty good about keeping political issues out of the church. The church teaches religious principles, not political. People thought JFK would be getting all his answers from the Vatican and that turned out to be false, so the same would be for Romney.

Nick, Riverside CA (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:20 PM)

I have to partially agree with Dave in TN. 1776 was the last year that Massachusetts produced anything of value to this country. However, having said that, come Nov 2008 if the choice is between Romney and that woman I would have to vote Romney.

James, FL (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:22 PM)

Give me a break Mike SLC. That is COMPLETELY untrue.

James, Cedar Hills, UT (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:27 PM)

Mike from SLC, that is completely incorrect. I am a mormon and my political stances are not dictated by the "church headquarters". In fact, I have strongly disagreed with some political decisions made by mormon leaders. That comment is rediculous as saying a Catholic leader must confirm his political decisions with the pope.

Sean K, Salt Lake, UT (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:30 PM)

If every Mormon politician has to check in with church headquarters before making a decision, how do you explain the disparity between Mitt Romney and Harry Reid, the LDS/Mormon Senate majority leader! They are like night and day! Every Mormon politician has his free agency to act and vote as he sees fit! It all goes back to their core personal values. If it happens to be in line with the Church's teachings, so be it, but the Church does not dictate a man's vote.

Cheryl, Tigard, OR (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:30 PM)

Romney is the best choice for the GOP. His religion is not an issue, the media would have you believe it is. More people said they would not vote for an Evangelical president.

Micah TX (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:32 PM)

I agree with Ashley from Charlotte, NC. You can tell the people above have a pre-disposed bias against Romney because they get their information from outside sources. He really is a good guy and doesn't call church headquarter at all as the anti-mormon stated above. What's interesting is that most of the hate for Mitt is coming because he's actually looking like he's going to win. When open-minded people who are interested in getting to know the candidates, they like Mitt more and more. He's someone who will lesson Washington's power and create more leverage on people to work for their freedom.

James from Orem, Utah (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:36 PM)

Mike in SLC. I just thought I would let you know that you have been misinformed. Being involved in politics, and being member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (whom you and most ignorant people around the world call Mormons), I can inform you at this time that politicians need not consult with any member of the church before making any political decision. I am apolled that such ignorance is coming from Salt Lake City, which I consider my hometown.

Chris, Gilbert AZ (Sent Friday, October 19, 2007 1:49 PM)

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