Summarized by Denise Bodman
To the eager candidate, different religions are herds of cattle
Las Vegas NV Review-Journal 20May99 L1
By John L. Smith
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- John L. Smith's column studies the concept of "The
Mormon Vote." It seems that Las Vegas, Nevada, has two men vying for the
position of mayor, with each trying to get "the Mormon vote." Oscar Goodman
and Arnie Adamsen, neither members of the LDS Church, have sent out mailers
with endorsements from high-profile, well-respected Mormon community
leaders. The fliers attest to the candidates' devotion to family,
religion, and values.
Smith, also a non-Mormon, believes such pandering is bigoted and
condescending. He wonders why, in a state with only 6.3 percent LDS and
over 25 percent Catholic, candidates don't battle for the Catholic vote...or
the Protestent vote...or the No-religious-preference vote. He writes that
"Contrary to popular political belief, Mormons are not cattle easily herded
into the voting booth. They're humans who share common values, but they
have a broad range of political philosophies. This is, after all, the same
religion shared by Democratic U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and [State Sen.Ray]
Rawson, a Republican."
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