I'm another of the 17 percent, solely because of the vast differences in theology between traditional Christianity and Mormonism as listed in the paragraphs in the above article.
I live among many of the LDS faith here in Arizona. By and large, good people. I'd take ten of 'em to one northeastern liberal type anytime. Anytime.
Brigham Young instituted polygamy he said after divine revelation, after the pioneers had trekked to SLC and thousands of the men (including Joseph Smith) had been murdered or jailed by so called good Christians.
Joseph Smith had 1 wife, Emma, not 15 as the article says. We Mormons, really try to live our religion, and therefore do not bear false witness against our neighbors...unlike some of our otherwise good Christian brothers and sisters when they are speaking of us.
On another note, I believe that only two types of people live in Massachusetts, the wicked wealthy, and those who chose to raise their families in their presence. I don't believe I could vote for Romney.
OK. I might privately agree with you regarding this theological questions.
But - if it came down to it - WHO would you rather have as a neighbor - a Mormon - or a "Latter-Day" American hedonist pagan?
And what if he was running against a Stalinist wearing a dress (you know who I mean)?
I would hope your 'being of the 17%' might be expressed in your primary vote, but not in November (should the man somehow win the GOP nomination).