Why do pundits rarely discuss the Mormon factor when discussing Romney?

[LostInAnomie]

The simple fact that he is a Mormon is going to automatically disqualify him for a huge proportion of the Republican base. I remember reading a report last year that said that somewhere around 40% of religions conservatives would refuse to vote for a Mormon. In a 50/50 country, removing 40% of one party's base is ruinous for their presidential campaign. Even if Romney could get past the primary (which he can't), he would be dead in the water because of his own party's bigotry.

The media knows it. Why do they never bring it up?

[Captain Hilts]

1. We don't go after people because of their relgion. They don't mention that he's a legacy politician

just like Bush.

His dad, George Romney, was Gov. of Michigan and ran for Prez in '68 as a Republican.

[undeterred]

2. Did you know that Senator Reid is a Mormon?

So are about 20 other members of Congress, across party lines. No one makes a big deal about it.

[Island Blue]

4. No one makes a big deal about it

in the places these folks are from, but I guarantee you there will be a lot of Southern Baptist and such who would never even consider voting for a Mormon. I know a few of them - they think Mormonism is a cult.

[LostInAnomie]

5. The difference is that Reid is not a potential presidential candidate...

... for a party that has benefited largely from bigotry. Religion was an issue for the Muslim Democratic candidate for congress, and religion would DEFINITELY be an issue if an atheist or agnostic would run. Why should it not be part of the media focus when covering a party where a person's religion is the sole factor for a large portion of their base? It would simply be reporting the facts on the ground.

Not that it should be a factor, but it is naive to not believe that Romney being a Mormon won't play a role in Republicans voting for or against him. Being African American shouldn't have been a factor in the Ford race, but it is naive to believe that it didn't play a role in Corker's victory.

[alpizzy]

3. Maybe it should be our little secret...

help him win the primary then just let it slip during the general. }(

[Solo_in_MD]

6. they dont have too...the MSM is doing polygamy and other stories for them

[yurbud]

7. If the big money people like you, you are without sin and no one will mention

your financial affairs, management style, sex life, drug use, emotional problems, or atypical religious preferences.

If the money people don't like you, not only is all that stuff fair game, but they will make shit up if reality isn't scandalous enough (see the "Dean Scream").