Political Parties

The Washington Post

April 26^th, 2012

Aaron Blake

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/the-republican-partys-catholic-cadrecoming-soon/2012/04/26/gIQAB2rRjT_blog.html

Summary:

The Republican party, as seen in the recent campaigns, seems to be gaining a resurgence in the support of Catholics. Firstly, this year's G.O.P contenders, such as Newt Gringich and Rick Santorum as well a handful of representatives and senators are Catholic. This increase in number in candidates also corresponds to an increase in Catholic voters, which has been increasing their pledge to the Republican party.

Connection:

When Kennedy was elected as president, his Catholic faith made him the target for people fearing rule by the Pope and the overlap of church and state. However, his election also marks as a shift in Catholic voter behavior and increasingly, Catholic voters have been voting Republican. The Catholic faith of candidates has greatly evolved since then, from a taboo to being unremarkable.

Reflection:

While Mitt Romney has been highlighted by his Mormon faith, Mormonism by far overshadowed by the Catholicism of the numerous candidates this year. Perhaps a reflection of greater allegiance from Catholic voters, the Catholic faith of the candidates have become much more accepted than Mormonism. With the Republican focus on social conservatism on matters such as same-gender marriage and abortion, the Republican party will likely witness an surge in support from Catholic voters this year.