Charles C. Haynes: The Mormon elephant in the presidential arena

  For better or for worse, Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain likes to say out loud what others only whisper.

  A few weeks ago, for example, Cain mentioned what his rivals for the nomination dare not mention: Mitt Romney has a religion problem. “Romney would be a good choice,” Cain told the editors of The Washington Times, “but I don’t believe he can win.”

  Why?  Because to win the nomination (and the presidency), a Republican needs to do well in the South — and Cain sees Romney’s Mormon faith as a major barrier in Southern states.

  “It doesn’t bother me,” said Cain, “but I know it is an issue with a lot of Southerners.”