GOP Primary Spurs Discussion of the Role of Religion in Politics in Classes at Benedictine University

This year's Republican presidential primary campaign, with the two main contenders being a Mormon and and conservative Catholic, has spurred discussion among students at a Catholic institution in Lisle.

Assistant professor Phillip Hardy, who teaches both state and local government courses, has his students paying close attention to this year’s primaries. Students have followed the results of each primary vote and caucus, attempted to anticipate the winners, and reacted to the outcomes.

He said the classes “talked pretty extensively” about the presidential race prior to leaving for spring break. A portion of the conversation focused on the religious affiliation of the front-runners, Mitt Romney, a Mormon, and Rick Santorum, a Catholic.

Classes discussed whether a bias exists againt Romney for his religious beliefs, or against Santroum for his “outspoken” views on social issues. Hardy said he’s noticed a discrepancy between the number of people who say they support Romney in polls, and those who actually vote for him.

“Some of the students felt it was obvious, based on some of the primary outcomes and views expressed by potential voters, that a lot of voters are still uncomfortable with Romney’s religious background,” Hardy said.

However, Hardy said the “anti-Mormon sentiment fails to come up in polling.” Romney had secured 518 delegates to Santorum’s 239 as of Monday evening, according to a report from CNN. Santorum, however, has won the support of Illinois’ neighboring states.

Hardy thinks his own students probably identify more closely with Santorum.

“Because Benedictine is a Catholic institution, it wouldn’t surprise me if a number of students from each of those classes is curious, or maybe attracted to Santorum, because of his position on a variety of social issues that are consistent with the teachings of the church.”

Students are surely in store for another in-depth conversation about the Illinois primary when they return from break.

The political science department will become more involved in a community discussion gearing up for the general election, Hardy said, including bringing national Republican speakers this fall.

Hardy said several departments hope to coordinate a “panel of different Catholic voices,” to inform voters where the church stands on specific issues, and how Catholic traditions relate to those issues.