The real issue for many evangelicals is Mormonism’s remarkable success and rapid expansion. It is estimated to have missionaries in 162 countries and a global membership of some 14 million; it is also, from its base in the American West, making inroads into Hispanic communities. Put simply, the Baptists and Methodists, while still ahead of the Mormons numerically, are feeling the heat of competition from Joseph Smith’s tireless progeny.
And if a Mormon is elected president, it would be a remarkable triumph of legitimization for the LDS Church. Given how it was once treated in America, it would be a historic watershed. And that added legitimacy and prestige may well be a core factor in evangelicals' apparent lack of enthusiasm for Mitt.
But I want to repeat that, in case anyone misunderstands me, that in my view, one great thing if Romney were to be elected would be the erasure of one more bigoted barrier to anyone running the country. I think it would be great for America to have a Mormon president in the same way (but not to the same extent) as it is great to have a biracial president and would be to have a female president. Diversity matters to me in terms of opportunity, if not results.
The Dish 