Let me begin by saying that think it is unfortunate that a candidate's religion, belief and practice have become campaign issues. Watching reporters press candidates not only on what they believe but whether and how often they pray or on the religious beliefs of another candidate seems contrary to the separation of church and state and our political traditions. It is especially ironic given the concerns in the past regarding Catholic candidates (Al Smith and later John Kennedy) and today regarding Muslim candidates). The focus of presidential politics should remain political, economic and social issues. Those for whom religious values are paramount can still bring their beliefs or moral conscience to bear by privately judging a candidate's positions in light of their faith and beliefs.

All the current candidates have taken care to mention their faith and values and reach out to conservative or religious right voters for whom religion affects or informs their vote. While all have courted this constituency, Huckabee has done it the most aggressively and it has paid off in many of the states he has done well in.