To: HostileTerritory
I do understand the sensitivity issues the LDS church faces if it's accused of throwing its substantial weight around in the primaries.I don't think we have "substantial weight" anywhere but Utah and Idaho. And Mitt wouldn't need a special organization in either of those states. Everybody knows he is Mormon. If the Mormons are inclined to vote for him because of religion, they will do that without any special organization. And, whoever is the ultimate Republican nominee will carry those states without any special organization.
To: lady lawyer
I don't think we have "substantial weight" anywhere but Utah and Idaho.
The LDS church played an important role in protecting marriage in the 2000 referendum campaign in California. Not many people take part in primaries, and a mid-sized group of engaged people can help a candidate break away from the pack if they vote when others aren't. Maybe not in South Carolina or New Hampshire, but there are key primaries in Arizona, Washington, and Nevada very early in the process where the numbers are there. And of course it's good to have personal connections for fundraising no matter where the donors live. Joe Lieberman has been able to draw from Jewish donors elsewhere in the country, why should Mitt Romney be held to a different standard?
Please don't take this the wrong way--I know you have to battle against conspiracy theorists all the time, even here, from people who have misperceptions about your church. I almost wish this country were mature enough to accept that this is how democracy works and there's nothing bad about it.
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