Evangelical Christians favor Romney over Obama but have reservations; Virginians assess the role of religion and offer views on Mormonism

SALEM, Va., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Evangelical Christians in Virginia would vote for Mitt Romney over Barack Obama for president (55%-29%) and George Allen over Tim Kaine in the U.S. Senate race (58%-25%), but they are no more enthusiastic about Romney than non-Evangelicals, according to The Roanoke College Poll.  The Roanoke College Poll interviewed 412 Virginia Evangelicals and 251 non-Evangelical residents between March 26 and April 9.

Religion plays a prominent role in the thinking of Evangelicals, but they are more focused on economic issues than on social issues.  Regarding views of the Mormon religion, Evangelicals are generally similar to non-Evangelicals, though there are some differences.

"Evangelical Christians differ from non-Evangelicals regarding the importance of religion in the political arena, but the issues of greatest importance to both groups are economic," said Dr. Harry Wilson, director of the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College. 

"While pluralities of both groups do not know the religious affiliation of the presidential candidates, more can identify Romney as a Mormon. About one-sixth of Virginians still identify President Obama as a Muslim," said Wilson. "Pluralities of both Evangelicals and non-Evangelicals admit they know little about Mormonism. Their impressions are clearly mixed. At this point, it is not clear how or if religion benefits or hurts either candidate in Virginia."

"It is clear, however, that Evangelicals prefer Mitt Romney and George Allen, and they do not see Barack Obama in a favorable light. That said they are not enthusiastic in their support of Romney. And, like every other group, they are not monolithic."

More information and full results are available here: http://bit.ly/IuYDPE.

SOURCE Roanoke College

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