Romney weighs speech on politics, faith

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MIKE GLOVER in Marshalltown, Iowa put this story together. Some quotes below on his faith:

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said Thursday he'll probably deliver a speech explaining the role his Mormon faith plays in his political life, but he argued he's made strong gains among evangelicals despite questions about his religion.

"I have thought about that," Romney said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I haven't made a final decision, but it's probably more likely than not."

During a campaign appearance earlier in the day, Romney was asked about his views on appointing a "God-fearing Mormon" to the Supreme Court. Romney has been asked about such matters frequently in question-and-answer sessions he holds almost daily.

"I'd go after people who will follow the law and I wouldn't apply a religious test either," Romney said.

There is precedent for such a step. When John F. Kennedy sought the presidency in 1960, there was a whispering campaign about his Catholicism and he largely put the issue to rest by going to Texas to deliver a speech about the role that religion played in his life.

Then some more comments on politics:

Romney has come under fire from some conservatives — primarily GOP rival Sam Brownback — for switching positions on issues such as abortion and gay rights. Romney said those charges haven't hurt his standing as he competes for the backing of social conservatives, who play a crucial role in Iowa Republican politics.

And Romney was dismissive of the criticism. "I expect that evangelical Christians who believe in life and family values are going to vote for someone who shares their views and has a real prospect of being nominated by our party and becoming president," Romney told the AP. "The difference between me and Sam Brownback is he has run a uniformly negative campaign."

He's right. Many evangelicals and other Christians have reconciled in various ways his religious beliefs. Sure, they still have deep concerns about his faith. No doubt about that. Yet, since he's clearly the most morally conservative candidate, they can set aside their concerns for his particular brand of faith.

It also helps that Romney is the smartest, most capable leader, most experienced manager, and has impeccable character. Commander-in-chief, not pastor-in-chief as many have already said. And like so many others have said, Brownback is a pain in the neck.