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Subscribe to RSSGov. Rick Perry's campaign refused Tuesday to formally distance itself from a Texas pastor's criticism of Mormonism, calling rival presidential candidate Mitt Romney's demand that Perry "repudiate" the pastor a distraction.
Perry spokesman Ray Sullivan tells NBC News that Romney's call for Perry to repudiate the controversial pastor who called Mormonism a "cult" is merely an attempt to "change the subject."
Sullivan's comments Tuesday afternoon come in response to a demand made by Romney during a press conference to announce that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie had endorsed Romney for president.
"I just don't believe that that kind of divisiveness upon religion has a place in this country," Romney said of the comments by Dr. Robert Jeffress, the head of the 10,000-member First Baptist Church of Dallas. "I would call on Gov. Perry to repudiate the sentiment and the remarks made by that pastor."
Perry's campaign responded in a statement by challenging Romney to "repudiate government-mandated health care as crafted in Romneycare," the health care law Romney had authorized as governor. The email sets the stage for a showdown between the two Republican heavyweights at tonight's presidential debate.
Sullivan argued that Romney's public call for Perry to disavow Jeffress is "is an attempt for Gov. Romney to change the subject" away from issues like his support for the 2006 Massachusetts health care plan that served as a framework for the Obama administration's new health law.
"The governor has publicly disagreed with [Robert Jeffress's] characterization," he said. "We have no control over who endorses, supports, or votes for the governor."
Sullivan added that the Perry campaign has not been in contact with Jeffress and has not advised the outspoken pastor about his media omnipresence since calling Mormonism a cult on Friday. "We have had no contact with the pastor and he speaks for himself."
Asked about NJ Gov Chris Christie's endorsement of Romney today, Sullivan referred NBC to a paper statement released by the campaign and said that Perry has great respect for the Nj gov.
He added that the onetime potential presidential candidate's backing of Romney will be worth "a news cycle worth of boost" but that voters will ultimately decide the election on the issues.
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Why should he????
Since the pastor has unwisely chosen to cross the line between separation of church and state, his church should be audited by the IRS and face potential loss of their tax exempt status. Publicly endorsing and campaigning for a specific candidate is a violation of church-state protocol.
Yeah audit it like they did Obama's old church in Chicago that got political also.......
Kind of reminds me of the 2008 "controversy" when President Obama took "too long" to denounce his former pastor's statements. Does this mean Perry should immediately leave the race, as many in the GOP called for Obama to do in 2008?
So intolerant, so bigoted, so ignorant. Is it me or is it that cesspool called Texas?
Satan believes in Jesus but I guess it is just a matter of semantics.
Folks, most Americans either ignore religious affiliation (a lot of us do this), or cling to their own religion. If a candidate overemphasizes their personal religion while campaigning, they are far less likely to get support from people outside that religion. I'm not religious, so am most likely to vote for someone that doesn't emphasize their religious beliefs.
Why would Perry want to disuade the pastor from calling Romney a heathen heretic? It works so well for him in the South.
First of all you would have to explain to pea-brain perry what repudiate means.
He probably thinks he has to meet the pastor in the closet again.
First he says he want then he says he does.
Perry should immediately repudiate the Pastor's remarks. He should do so, if for no other reason, because it would be the politically astute choice. Perry already owns the GOPeaParty pseudo-christian voters.
All this "Mormonism is a cult" remark does is alienate those others within the GOPeaParty that are not pseudo-religious zealots.
It is really starting to appear that Romney will be the nominee. It seems the Tea Party folk can not win for losing. They despise RINO Romney nearly as much as Obama. But they are, as is evidenced here on Newsvine, bravely trying to put lipstick on that socially liberal Wall Street pig.
Should Romney be elected, we will be treated to a battle between the Congressional Tea Party caucus and President Romney. However, that caucus will not be as large nor as influential.
Let's not forget Ron Paul. He invented the doctrines upon which the Tea Party is based. He won't get the GOP nomination. But, he is highly likely to run as a third party candidate. Who will Tea Party extremists vote for in the privacy of that booth: Romney or Paul ?
Perhaps Ron Paul will do to Romney what Strom Thurmond did to Thomas Dewey. Down in front !
Perry's actions speak louder than words! Beware.
In Marx's time religion was the opiate of the masses. Now it's crystal meth.
Romney should be taken down for being an equity capitalist who's done more single-handedly for destroying US jobs and outsourcing than any other single candidate, not for his religious beliefs.
On the other hand, with Perry...don't be surprised when he calls on God's Army to bring out their guns. He's a crony capitalist who'll win by any means necessary.
Let's get rid of them all and try some other political parties. Sometimes gambling on something uncertain is a whole lot better than voting for the lessor evil plutocrat.
If you have questions about a religion sincerely study it out. First, go ask the religion what they really believe. (Why should I ask your neighbor what you believe when I can and should ask you?)
Just be honest with yourself in your desire to really know, study and ponder it out, then ask God with real intent to know. God will let you know through the power of the Holy Ghost.
All organized religion is full of crap. And look at ol Rickie, you think one tv preacher lookin goomer is going to dis another one? He should be shtupping the loon Bachman and her 999 is 666 upside down horse crap about da Godfather's plan. Religious azzholes all of them. And the pope is another one. Why doesn't he turn loose with some of the blood treasure filling the vatican vaults. If Jesus was alive he and his wife (Mary Magdalene for you who don't know) they both be kickin some priest ass.
One disturbing thing about the Mormons that has yet to be mentioned: Mormons are extreemly agressive in trying to CONVERT people into their religion; They literally go door to door throughout the country trying to convert people into their religion.
Kevin, remember the original 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ who were given charge by Him to spread His message to the rest of the world? No difference today with a living Prophet-Thomas S. Monson and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.They have the same spread the Word responsibility today. Over 50,000 young men and some young women are currently serving world-wide missions ( at their own expense ) for 18 months to 2 years. Senior retired couples also serve. The young men can serve at age 19 and the young women at age 21. Some do go door to door depending on their areas. I personally met and taught many people while serving who were introduced to us missionaries from their friends and associates. I knocked on very few doors, but I enjoyed doing that when we did. It was really fun. The people in Texas were so nice and friendly and the message was shared, accepted, and lives were changed for the better. How many 19-21 olds do you personally know Kevin that would put their life on hold at this time of their lives,disrupting college,dating,vocations, marriage, etc. and serve at their own expense somewhere in the world? Having to learn a difficult language, being far from home, a call home on Christmas and Mother's day only. Think about what kind of motivation would be behind an individual of this age bracket to have them want to do this missionary service. Must be something about the message one would think. No one is forced to serve. Encouraged, of course yes. The blessings continue to bless my life for my service and I have been home from my mission experience for 30+ years. Next time you see a pair of Missionaries out in your neighborhood,why don't you buy them lunch? I got tired of Ramen. Still love Texas BBQ however.
Could it be that Perry is actually DUMBER than Palin. At least she knew she could not debate. He tries but once he opens his mouth he sounds Palinesque.
Romney speaks out of both sides of his mouth, Christie speaks clear, concise and direct. He clearly out performed Mitt in the Today show interview.
Who doesn't know Mormonism is a cult? When did stating the obvious become a problem?
And while we are all focussing negative attention on Republicans for a pastor's extreme views and statements (which freedom of religion permits), we are totally forgetting that the Reverend Wright caused great furor during the primary process for the Democrats. And Jesse Jackson has certainly alternated between being a religious and community leader to being a political leader and spokesperson many times during his public life. It seems that the liberals need to clean up their own house...Religious radicals exist in all sectors of society...and not just in the US...look at the middle east. We are allowing the side show to distract us from what candidates say and represent, not the clerics who are loud and controversial. We don't have to attend their church or buy into their mindset, but bickering about them sure prevents us from noting the viewpoints of the candidates which is what should really matter at this point.