1) For my take on the insurance deal . . . it's been a positive for him now and was strongly supported byt the Conservative Think Tank "The Heritage Foundation." There is a knee jerk by many conservatives that it is a form of socialized medicine . . . for my take on it see: http://jjfuller72.redstate.com/story/2006/5/29/0030/34495
2) Admittedly this issue is a wildcard. I see the strong grassroots support and financial support he gets from LDS being negated by religious bigotry. Could cancel eachother out.
3) The SOuth will be the hardest sell for Romney (I lived there for 8 yrs and plan to move back next year.) However, he grew up a midwesterner and doesn't sound like a northeasterner. In the West, any bias against northeasterners will be more than made up for by the heavy LDS population. LDS won't block vote for ROmney, but the support will be overwhelming, IMO.
"I see the strong grassroots support and financial support he gets from LDS being negated by religious bigotry."
well now, pardner, bigotry is a mighty big word to be slinging around. Would you vote for a Muslim? Someone into Santeria? The Pope's influence on Catholics always was a legitimate issue. The Bishops influence on Mormons is as well. Unless you are telling me Romney is Jack Mormon?
I live in Vegas, I know all the problems with Mormons in politics. Look at Harry Reid for guidance.
Main Entry: big·ot
Pronunciation: 'bi-g&t
Function: noun
Etymology: French, hypocrite, bigot
: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance
Surely you don't equate faith with opinions and prejudices. Because, it seems to me if a person is not obstinately and intolerantly devoted to his faith, it's not much good.