‘IS THE UNITED STATES READY FOR A MORMON PRESIDENT?’ MORMONISM AS A MAJOR ISSUE IN THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN The presidential campaign of Mitt Romney has generated significant attention to his beliefs and practices as an active Mormon. A great deal of media attention has focused on the central question: Is the United States ready to elect a Mormon President? In exploring this question, I will draw comparisons with George Romney’s 1968 campaign for president, who, like his son Mitt, was a devout Latter-day Saint. Why does Mormonism appear to be a more controversial issue vis a vis Mitt Romney’s pursuit of the White House than it was forty years ago when his father sought the same office?

NEWELL G. BRINGHURST and JOHN SILLITO