Sid
02-02-2007, 06:32 PM
Diane J. Heith, associate professor of government and politics at St. John's University in Jamaica, N.Y., said Kerry's Catholicism "was questioned by Catholic clergy and by pundits trying to figure out who he was."
"In 2004 we thought Kerry would carry the Catholic vote -- but he got crushed," said James R. Hedtke, a professor of history and political science at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa.
"In many ways the Catholic vote carried (President George W.) Bush (back) into office," he added.
But Heith of St. John's University believes the choice facing Catholics in November 2008 will be no easier than any other recent election year.
"At a fundamental level, voters and candidates who are very active Catholics will always have a difficult time with the current issue divisions in the country," she said. "So long as the Democratic Party is pro-choice but anti-death penalty while the Republicans are typically pro-life but pro-death penalty, there is a challenge for the Catholic who views the entire spectrum of life as sacred."
Catholic presidential candidates abound, but faith's effects unclear (http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0700666.htm)
"In 2004 we thought Kerry would carry the Catholic vote -- but he got crushed," said James R. Hedtke, a professor of history and political science at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa.
"In many ways the Catholic vote carried (President George W.) Bush (back) into office," he added.
But Heith of St. John's University believes the choice facing Catholics in November 2008 will be no easier than any other recent election year.
"At a fundamental level, voters and candidates who are very active Catholics will always have a difficult time with the current issue divisions in the country," she said. "So long as the Democratic Party is pro-choice but anti-death penalty while the Republicans are typically pro-life but pro-death penalty, there is a challenge for the Catholic who views the entire spectrum of life as sacred."
Catholic presidential candidates abound, but faith's effects unclear (http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0700666.htm)