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Bob Novak has a column today contending that Mormonism is a bigger problem for Romney than he was willing to admit but now has a speech ready to go to address this issue head on. Novak also writes that contrary to the claims of the Romney camp, ordinary voters question him about his religion "wherever he goes." I asked Romney Spokesman Kevin Madden about the Novak column. He responded that Romney "has said a number of times previously that he was considering a speech on faith and values" but emphasized that "no decision has been made yet and there is no speech prepared." As for whether ordinary voters ask about Mormonism, Madden says Romney "rarely" gets asked about it, pointing out that "we have done well over a hundred town halls and he has only been asked a handful of times" about Mormonism.

Romney advisor James Bopp Jr. addressed this issue recently contending that voters will "pause" to consider the issue but ultimately come to the conclusion it is a nonissue. For now, I think Romney is wise to spend time in New Hampshire (he's there twice this week) to shore up support and return to some of the economic themes that resonate in New Hampshire. (That's what Rudy is up to this week with his "making cents" appeal.)

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Religion