Now that rival Republican presidential hopeful (and Baptist minister) Mike Huckabee is getting traction in Iowa polls, Mitt Romney has attempted to pull a JFK by giving a speech Thursday targeting voters concerned about his Mormonism. Romney pledged that church authorities wouldn’t influence his presidential decisions, while also declaring that he endeavors to “live by” his faith and be “true to” his beliefs.


Marketwatch:

Romney said he is often asked on the campaign trail whether he believes in Jesus Christ.

“I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the savior of mankind,” Romney said. “My church’s beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history.”

But Romney said it would be inappropriate for him to attempt to explain the church’s doctrines in detail.

“To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the Constitution,” Romney said. “No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith, for if he becomes president, he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths.”

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