WASHINGTON (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry is calling the controversy over rival Mitt Romney's religious faith a campaign distraction, saying out of work Americans aren't interested in "side issues and sideshows." Appearing on morning television, Perry again defended himself against criticism in the wake of statements by a supportive minister from Dallas who asserted that Romney is not a Christian, and that Mormonism is a cult. That statement by Robert Jeffress, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas, came as he introduced Perry at a recent speech. Perry said Friday, "We clearly said we didn't agree with that statement."