2012 presidential election
The ‘nones’ say 2012 election proves they are a political force
(RNS) The "nones'' made their presence felt in this election, with some 70 percent of the religiously unaffiliated voting for President Obama, according to exit polls. What do the political parties have to do to reach and keep these voters? By Kimberly Winston.
‘Mormon moment’ ends with a loss – but Romney’s religion still won
(RNS) Despite Mitt Romney's loss on Tuesday night, fellow Mormons say his candidacy was a win for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By Peggy Fletcher Stack and Daniel Burke.
A Religious Breakdown of 12 Battleground States
Our resident religion & politics guru Mark Silk assesses the religious layout of 12 battleground states - and explains why religion will matter on Election Day.
Some Mormons suggest fasting to help Romney’s campaign
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) A number of Mormons are circulating a request via email that sympathetic Latter-day Saints join them in forgoing food and water on Sunday to help Mitt Romney at the Oct. 3 presidential debate. By Peggy Fletcher Stack.
Poll: Obama surges ahead among Catholic voters
(RNS) President Obama’s support among Catholic voters has surged since June, according to a new poll, despite the Catholic bishops’ religious freedom campaign and the naming of Paul Ryan, a Catholic, as the GOP's vice-presidential nominee. By Daniel Burke.
Analysis: The myth of Mitt Romney’s evangelical problem
(RNS) Mitt Romney has an evangelical problem. Or so we’ve been told by the national media. But there’s one glaring problem with the storyline: It’s not true. By Jonathan Merritt.
Religious labels matter less in 2012 campaign
(RNS) There aren't any white Protestants on the presidential ballot this year -- a first in American history. It's a situation that probably would have baffled famous evangelicals such as the late Rev. Jerry Falwell. By Bob Smietana.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan asks candidates to sign civility pledge
NEW YORK (RNS) Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who sparked controversy by agreeing to deliver the closing blessing at the Republican convention in Tampa this week, on Monday raised more questions about his political role by asking both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama to sign a “civility pledge” promoted by a leading conservative Catholic activist. By David Gibson.
Paul Ryan, Joe Biden: A tale of two Catholics
(RNS) Vice president Joe Biden sits to the left of Catholic doctrine on abortion and other life issues. Fellow Catholic Paul Ryan, the newly minted GOP vice presidential candidate, sits to the right of his church on fiscal policy. If the 2012 presidential campaign proves anything, it's that there is no perfect Catholic politician. By Daniel Burke.
Romney unveils leaders of Catholic outreach team
(RNS) Likely GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney unveiled his Catholic outreach team today - with some prominent names on the list.
Romney unveils Catholic outreach team
(RNS) Likely GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney unveiled his Catholic outreach team today - with some prominent names on the list.
New $6.5 million GOP campaign targets Jewish voters
(RNS) The Republican Jewish Coalition has launched a $6.5 million ad campaign, titled “My Buyer’s Remorse,” targeting Jewish voters in battleground states who have changed their minds about Obama. By Steve Strunsky.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Romney exposed his ignorance in the land of the prophets
(RNS) For Mitt Romney the answer to the Palestinians is crystal clear: Give up. After all, in his view Palestinians are “culturally” defective and God is on the other side. By Sam Bahour.
Black Mormons face a political choice like no other
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney. The matchup is both thrilling and complicated for one particular group - black Latter-day Saints. "I've been black my whole life and a Mormon for 30 years and never thought either of these (candidacies) would happen in my lifetime," says Utah attorney Keith Hamilton. By Peggy Fletcher Stack.
Analysis: The unexpected evangelical silence on Mitt Romney’s Mormonism
(RNS) The relative ambivalence among prominent evangelicals about this new "Mormon moment" -- and the fact that Mitt Romney's campaign could mainstream Mormonism right into the Oval Office – could radically shift the dynamics on America's political and religious landscape. By Jonathan Merritt.