If Mitt Romney wins the presidency, God gets to stay — "on our currency, in our Pledge, in our public places."
"I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty,' " he said today during a speech at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas. The former president introduced the former Massachusetts governor.
“Gov. Romney’s speech was a magnificent reminder of the role religious faith must play in government and public policy," said Dr. James Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family Action. "His delivery was passionate, and his message was inspirational. Whether it will answer all the questions and concerns of evangelical Christian voters is yet to be determined, but the governor is to be commended for articulating the importance of our religious heritage as it relates to today.
“Many in the media have been busily crafting the obituaries of ‘values voters’ in recent months. They are dead wrong. Religion has already played a major role in this election cycle, and will continue to be evident through ’08. The sanctity of human life, the institution of marriage and the care and nurturing of children will be important issues to people of faith as they choose a new generation of leaders. You can take it to the bank."
Gary Schneeberger, vice president of media relations for Focus on the Family Action, made it clear Dr. Dobson's comments should not be construed as an endorsement of Romney.
"Dr. Dobson simply thought it was an excellent speech," Schneeberger said. "In the context of so many in the media writing off the importance of a candidate's religious faith as it pertains to his policy positions, he thought Gov. Romney deserved to be praised for articulating the opposite view with such zeal."
David Barton, founder and president of WallBuilders, said: "We have roughly 94 percent of the nation who claim they believe in God. We have, in national polling, anywhere between 75 and 90 percent who think that God should be involved in the public affairs and specific policies of the nation.
"I think voters must take their faith in the ballot box with them."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Watch Mitt Romney's speech online.
Read the full text of the speech.
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