A reader writes:
As a Catholic (though lapsed and liberal), I can't say I am shocked that Santorum lost the Catholic vote first in Michigan, and now Ohio. I can't quantify this, but I think there's an excellent point to be made that Catholics may think Santorum is doing his best to eradicate the hard work JFK did in overcoming the prejudices Al Smith faced when running for President. Yes, some families remember. It was passed down, particularly among Irish Americans (ask Pat Buchanan or Chris Matthews for their impressions, at this point they may be the institutional memory of Irish Catholic politics).
But as much new progress Catholicism has made in public opinion, the underlying bias against a Catholic President for fear of his being controlled by Rome has not vanished.
When it is convenient for the mainline Protestant and even conservative Evangelicals to bring up as a point on why they can't support Catholics, Santorum will then be exhibit A. Gary Wills description of him as a "Papist", is, I think, dead on in that respect. And I think that many Catholics are smart enough to realize that's the last thing we need in a political leader.
There is a reason why the Catholic politicians who have truly flourished have been the Democrats: the split on social issues makes clear they will not be beholden to Rome. Similarly, to the extent Romney is perceived (wrongly, as far as I can tell) as a less doctrinaire Mormon, Catholics may sympathize with the prejudice against faith he needs to overcome.
The Dish 